During Covid-19, nursing facilities were allowed to restrict visitation to prevent Covid’s spread. A recent CMS letter to State Survey Directors says “[f]acilities must allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents as permitted under the regulations” In other words, visitation is now allowed for all residents at all times. Failure to permit visitation consistent with federal regulations will result in citation and enforcement action.
If the nursing home’s county COVID-19 community level of transmission is substantial to high, all residents and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, should wear face coverings or masks and physically distance, at all times. In areas of low to moderate transmission, the safest practice is for residents and visitors to wear face coverings or masks and physically distance, particularly if either of them is at increased risk for severe disease or are unvaccinated. If the resident and all their visitor(s) are fully vaccinated and the resident is not moderately or severely immunocompromised, they may choose not to wear face coverings or masks and to have physical contact. Visitors should wear face coverings or masks when around other residents or healthcare personnel, regardless of vaccination status. Additional information on levels of community transmission is available on the CDC’s COVID-19 Integrated County View webpage.
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