What To Know About Nursing Home Visitation In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Starting Wednesday, visitors will again be allowed back in Rhode Island nursing homes, for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic hit. To keep staff and residents safe, the Rhode Island Department of Health has created strict regulations for distancing and sanitizing protocols.

During phase two of reopening, the department sent all facilities guidance for visitation, asking each to create an indivdual plan tailored to meet their needs. These plans must adhere to the minimum Visitation Plan for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Residences created by the department. Requirements include:

• Visits will be limited to only those essential to the resident’s physical and emotional well-being and care.
• All visits must be scheduled and can only last up to 30 minutes.
• All visitors must be screened for a fever and other symptoms of COVID-19.
• Facilities must keep a daily log with names and contact information for all visitors.
• Outdoor visits are preferred. If a visit must occur inside the facility, the visit must be in the resident’s room or other area specifically designated for visits. If a resident’s room is used for visitation, only one visitor per resident at a time is allowed in the resident’s room.
• Visitors must maintain a six-foot distance throughout the entire visit.
• Visitors must sanitize or wash their hands when entering the facility or before entering the resident's room.