Florida Community Access & Visitation Program

The Community Access & Visitation program is designed to promote resident, visitor, and employee safety and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Executive Director is responsible for designating an individual(s) to oversee the Community Access & Visitor Program.

The general outline of the program is as follows:

1. All individuals who enter the building will be screened prior to entry. This includes employees, vendors, third party providers, and visitors.
2. All visitation will be permitted after meeting screening requirements.
3. All Visitors are encouraged to wear a face mask at all times.
4. There is no time limit for visitation.
5. There is no limit on the number of visitors allowed per visit.
6. Visitors will not be asked to provide or show proof of vaccination or immunization status.
7. Consensual physical contact is allowed between the resident and the visitor.
8. Any expectations set forth in this policy will never exceed those of which apply to the employees of the community.

Only Emergency Personnel are permitted entry without being screened prior to entry. Employees, Essential Caregivers, new residents, visitors, volunteers, and vendors are permitted entry only after passing screening requirements:

Anyone who does not pass the screening process outlined below shall not be permitted entry.

Screening Process

1. Ensure hand sanitizer is available to them near the screening area
2. The visitor will complete a screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken checking for a fever (greater than 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit).
a. Provide the individual with any personal protective equipment (PPE) needed prior to permitting entry.
3. For visitors needing training on visitation in a healthcare facility, they can receive this at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/hcf-visitors.html, and if they are unable to obtain web access, it can be provided in printed form.
4. All visitors must immediately inform the community if they develop COVID-19symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within ten (10) days of their visit. In the event a visitor violates the community’s policies and procedures as outlined and agreed to in the screening process, the community reserves the right to
suspend in-person visitation from that specific visitor.

Essential Caregivers

A resident or their responsible party may designate anyone they choose as an Essential Caregiver. There are no limits on the number of identified Essential Caregivers per resident.

Special Circumstances

If for whatever reason one of our communities must suspend or limit visitation, in-person Essential Caregiver visitation will still be permitted under the following special circumstances unless the resident objects, as long as the Essential Caregiver complies with our screening requirements above:

1. End-of-life situations
2. A resident who was living with family before moving into the community is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support
3. The resident is making one or more major medical decisions
4. A resident is experiencing emotional distress
5. A resident is grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died
6. A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver
7. A resident who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking

During these times, visits must be conducted in the residents’ room.