Policy:
In accordance with Section 408.823 of the Florida Statutes, the Facility has created and implemented a Visitation Policy and Procedure, also known as the “No Patient Left Alone Act.”
Procedure:
- The facility’s Visitation Policy and Procedure is available on the Facility’s website at www.futuresmilesseniorliving.com
- The Facility will designate the Administrator as the person responsible for ensuring staff adhere to the Visitation Policy and Procedure.
- Safety-related policies and procedures are not more stringent than those established for Facility staff. Visitors are not required to provide proof of any vaccination or immunization. This policy allows consensual physical contact between a Resident and a Visitor.
- The facility recognizes that the resident may designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian, or other individual as an essential caregiver. The Facility will allow in-person visitation by the essential caregiver for at least 2 hours daily in addition to any other authorized visitation.
- The Facility does not require the caregiver to provide necessary care to a Resident. The designated essential caregiver will be documented in the Resident’s medical record and updated upon the Resident’s request.
- Residents are allowed in-person visitation in all the following circumstances unless the Resident objects:
- End-of-life situations;
- The Resident, who was living with family before being admitted to the Facility’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;
- The Resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died;
- The Resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink, which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver and/or
- The resident, who used to talk and interact with others, seldom speaks.
- The Facility has no limit on the number of Visitors per Resident. The Facility may limit the total number of Visitors allowed in the Facility at any given time based on the ability of staff to safely screen and monitor the space used to accommodate the Visitors and based on adherence to the infection control protocols of physical distancing.
- Visitors are welcome to visit at any time. General visiting hours are from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. Arrangements for visits outside of these hours may be made by contacting the Facility’s on-duty staff. In general, the length of visits will not be restricted. However, visitation may be limited if such visits or the number of visitors negatively impact other residents.
- The Facility’s Visitation Policy and Procedure will be provided to AHCA at any time upon request. In addition, the Facility will provide its Visitation Policy and Procedure to AHCA when applying for initial licensure and/or licensure renewal.
- Infection Control Policy related to visitation: The Facility will screen the Visitor and document the name of the individual, the date, and the time of entry. Visitors who currently meet the criteria for quarantine should not enter the Facility. All visitors to the Facility should follow established infection control procedures such as:
- Frequent hand hygiene via hand washing or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Refraining from visiting if ill, including any signs and symptoms of COVID-19;
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed by staff upon entering the Facility. PPE will be provided to the Visitor and follow the CDC guidance for healthcare workers.
- The Facility does not require Visitors to agree in writing to follow the visitation policies and procedures. However, if the Visitor has violated the Policy and Procedure, the Facility may suspend in-person visitation for the specific individual under the following circumstances:
- The Resident is refusing visitors and/or specific visitors;
- The Visitor appears to be impaired by alcohol or drugs;
- The Visitor appears to be a threat to self or others;
- The Visitor is disruptive and interfering with the rights of other residents;
- The Visitor fails to comply with the Facility’s Visitation Policy;
- In the event of a severe outbreak requiring restrictions on visitation.