Blog
DHHS releases guidance memo aligning visitation with federal regulations
- By: Danielle Watford
- On: 12/02/2021 08:44:31
- In: COVID-19
In the new memo, DHHS advises providers that core principles of infection prevention and requirements to honor resident rights and allow for visitation will apply to Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs), and Adult Assisted Housing Providers.
Facilities should review their internal process and QSO 20-39NH and educate their staff accordingly. Facilities may request that families schedule visitation but may not require scheduled visits, nor can facilities deny a resident visitation with individuals of the resident's choice based on the visitors' failure to schedule the visit in advance. Facilities cannot limit the visit to a specific length of time.
The Office of Aging and Disability Services does have some limited nurse consultants who can assist facilities with revisions to their infection control program. I you would like more information on this service please reach out to:
Gretchen Zeh-Higgins, RN
Maine DHHS, OADS
Long Term Care Facilities Supervisor
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
gretchen.zeh-higgins@maine.gov
If there are any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the Division of Licensing and Certification at dlrs.info@maine.gov.
Staff Contact: dwatford@gmail.com