No Patient Left Behind Act

PURPOSE: The community will accommodate and support “at all times and for all residents” (regardless of vaccination status) visitation including visits for reasons beyond compassionate visits based on the following guidelines from CMS and CDC:

Visitation

The community will allow all visitation for all residents (regardless of vaccination status) permitted under state and federal regulations. Circumstances may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • End-of-life situations.
  • A resident who was living with family before being admitted to the provider’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
  • The resident is making one or more major medical decisions.
  • A resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
  • A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
  • A resident who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking.

Adherence to the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

  • While visiting at the community the visitor is at risk for being exposed to Covid-19. (Covid-19 Fact sheet, including prevention, will be available for visitor at the screening location)
  • Instructional signage will be posted throughout the community.

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention include:

  • Upon entering the community, visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions about and observations of signs or symptoms.) Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine should not enter the community until they meet the criteria for discontinuation of quarantining.
  • Visitors will wear a well-fitted cloth mask, facemask, or respirator (e.g., N95) that is covering the mouth and nose, based on recommendation of CMS and CDC.
  • Residents will wear a well-fitted cloth mask, facemask, or respirator (e.g., N95) that is covering the mouth and nose, based on recommendation of CMS and CDC.
  • Hand hygiene will be performed by the visitor and the resident before and after visit, using alcohol based hand rub. Alcohol based hand rub is available in the unit before entering the resident room and on exiting the resident room.
  • Visitors should physically distance for other residents and staff in the community.
  • Residents and Visitors will be discouraged to eat and/or drink during visit.
  • Visitors not following the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention will not be permitted or will be asked to leave.
  • All visitors are encouraged to inform staff if they develop a fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days after visiting.
  • The community will clean and disinfect high-frequency touched surfaces in the community often, and designated visitation areas after each visit.

Limiting Movement of Visitors while in the Community

  • Visitors will enter and exit building using designated entrance, and follow the Core Visitation Principles.
  • Visitors are not to walk around in the community, they are to go directly to the resident’s room or designated visiting area.
  • Outside visits can occur at any time
  • While not recommended, resident who are on transmission-based precautions (TBP) or quarantine can still receive visitors. In these cases, visits should occur in the resident’s room and the resident should wear a well-fitting facemask (if tolerated). Visitors will be made aware of the potential risk of visiting and precautions necessary in order to visit the resident. Visitors should adhere to the core principles of infection prevention.

Visits while the community is in Outbreak Status:

An outbreak exists when a new onset of COVID-19 occurs among a resident or a staff member. 

  • The Community will follow the CDC and CMS guidance for Visitation, in and out of outbreak status.
  • Visitation will still be allowed while the community is in Outbreak Status. Visitors will be required to adhere to the core principles of infection prevention and wear a well-fitting facemask during the visit with the resident.

The Executive Director/Administrator is responsible for ensuring that the community adhere to the policies and procedures.