Visitation Policy
As of February 23, 2023
Nacogdoches Medical Center provides a caring environment while recognizing the importance of visitation to our patients, their families, and friends. These guidelines were developed for visitation while considering the following factors: a) the benefits of visitation to the patient; b) the impact of visitation on patient care; and c) the safety and security of patients, visitors, and employees. The following guidelines shall be followed to assure that patients and their visitors achieve a positive visitation experience without compromising patient care, confidentiality, and security.
Each patient has the right (subject to his or her consent, which can be withdrawn at any time) to receive the visitors whom he or she designates, including but not limited to a spouse, a domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), a family member or friend. Visitation privileges shall not be restricted, limited, or otherwise denied on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Visitation is at the discretion of our nursing staff. The type and number of visitors present may however be reasonably restricted or limited by staff to the extent such restriction or limitation is clinically necessary and communicated by the health care providers to the patient (or his or her designated representative or decision maker). Patient safety and privacy are additional factors to be considered in this determination.
Patients are advised of hospital visitation policies through receipt of the patient handbook, the hospital’s web site, postings near the front lobby, or in hospital outpatient centers.
Visitation Guidelines:
- Visitors are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and courteous manner:
- Refrain from smoking. Nacogdoches Medical Center is a non-smoking institution and smoking is prohibited everywhere on campus, as well as in NMC affiliated facilities and vehicles
- No consumption of alcoholic beverages or illicit drug use on campus
- Running, littering or loitering in the hallways is prohibited
- Refrain from loud conversations or from any behavior that may be disruptive to a patient
- Dress appropriately
- Nacogdoches Medical Center recognizes that family members and loved ones are part of the patient’s care team. Hospital staff shall encourage our patients to define and designate “family”, which can be based on biological, legal, or emotional relationships. This includes, but is not limited to a spouse, domestic partner (including same-sex domestic partners), family members and friends.
- The hospital visitation hours are from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Exceptions to visiting hours are at the discretion of nursing personnel.
- Labor and Delivery: Patients may have a family member or significant other with them anytime. Family is encouraged to be with the patient in the Delivery Room. Doulas are permitted in the Delivery Room Suite anytime.
- Special Care Nursery: Parents and grandparents may visit anytime.
- Due to the limited immune system of newborns, the hospital limits visitation to the newborn’s siblings when the infant in is the patient room.
- All other visitors, children and adults, should be free from recent exposure to communicable diseases and without fever or visible signs of illness. Nursing staff may strongly discourage any visitor with symptoms of a communicable illness from visiting a patient. During times of infectious outbreak in the community (e.g., influenza, measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc.), the Department of Healthcare Epidemiology may recommend restrictions in visitation. Visitors to patients in isolation are subject to isolation guidelines. Nursing staff shall encourage visitors to wash hands or use the hand gel dispensers when entering the hospital and patient rooms
- Children must be accompanied by an adult, never left unattended, or left under the sole supervision of the patient.
- Hospital staff may limit the number of visitors or times of visitation. The number of visitors is dependent on the needs and comfort of the patient. The type and number of visitors present may be reasonably restricted or limited by staff to the extent such restriction or limitation is clinically necessary and communicated by the health care providers to the patient (or his or her designated representative or decision maker). Patient safety and privacy are additional factors to be considered in this determination.
- The Emergency Department encourages the patient to have only two (2) visitors at a time.
- The Labor and Delivery Department limits visitors to four (4) at a time.
- The Intensive Care Unit limits visitors to two (2) at a time.
- During surgery, family and friends may wait in the first floor Women’s Center Lobby, where a volunteer will keep them informed.
- Hospital Staff may ask visitors to step away from the patient’s room:
- if it is a matter of patient safety
- if the room becomes too crowded or noisy
- to protect the privacy of patients during shift change, or
- during a patient crisis
- While the hospital allows overnight stays, it is dependent on the condition of the patient and is generally restricted to one overnight visitor. The patient must be in a private room.
- Hospital staff may discourage visitors from standing in hallways or entering another patient's room
- Hospital staff may discourage visitors from discussing patient information in public areas.
- Disruptive visitor behavior is addressed by the chain of command, including security as deemed necessary.
- Isolation policies are to be followed by all visitors.
- At no time will visitors be allowed to carry firearms or weapons.
- In keeping with a smoke free campus, visitors will not be allowed to smoke or use electronic cigarettes.
- Hospital staff must ensure all visitors enjoy the full and equal visitation privileges consistent with patient preferences.
- In the event the patient is incompetent or otherwise unable to determine persons allowed or not allowed to visit, the decision is made by the designated support person, preferably the person who maintains the Power of Attorney for the patient.