Spending time with friends and family can support someone’s healing process while they’re in the hospital. At Vermilion Behavioral Health Hospital, we provide clear visitation guidelines to help ensure safe and successful visits between patients and their loved ones.

Visitation Policy & Purpose

To ensure all patient/clients enjoy equal visitation privileges consistent with patient/client preferences and subject to the Hospital’s Justified Clinical Restrictions. In accordance with R.S. 40:1300.51 through 40:1300.55 of HB No 291, Act No. 367, “No Patient/client Left Alone Law”, the Visitation Policy has been amended and is posted on the facility website for easy access.

In accordance with R.S 40:2005, any person eighteen years or older may designate those individuals who will not be denied access to visit him/her in person during their stay. For twelve- to seventeen-year-olds, the parents/legal guardians will designate those individuals eligible for visitation, as appropriate during their treatment. Further, members of the clergy will be allowed to visit patient/clients/clients during a public health emergency whenever a patient/client/client or legal or designated representative requests the visit.

Each patient/client (or support person, where appropriate) will be informed of their visitation rights, including any clinical restrictions or limitations that may be imposed during the admission process.

Each patient/client (or support person, where appropriate) will be informed of their right to receive the visitors they designate, including, but not limited to, parents, legal guardian, a spouse, domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend, and their right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time.

Visitation privileges will not be denied based on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or immunization status.

All visitors are to enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with patient/client preference and hospital guidelines.

Visitation Procedures

Each patient/client (or support person, where appropriate) will be provided written information regarding their visitation rights, including any clinical restrictions or limitations that may be imposed during the admission process.
Each patient/client (or support person, where appropriate) will be informed of their right to receive the visitors they designate, including, but not limited to, parents, legal guardians, a spouse, domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend, and their right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time.
In accordance with R.S. 40:2005.1.(2)(a) Each patient/client/client shall have the right to consensual nonsexual physical contact such as hand holding or hugging , and provisions to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the patient/client/client and the staff of the facility.
All individuals who visit the patient/client will be required to sign the Visitors Sign-In, located at the receptionist desk and complete the Infectious Disease (COVID) screening, when applicable. In accordance with R.S. 40:2005.1(2)(a) Visitors will not be required to submit proof of any vaccination or immunization.
All visitors will be expected to wear a visitor badge during their visit, sign out upon leaving and return the visitor badge.
All visitors will be wanded and asked to empty pockets prior to visitation for safety and security purposes.
Staff will review all belongings brought to the hospital that are to be taken to the location of visitation to ensure there are no prohibited items. Items like purses and cell phones are not allowed for safety and privacy reasons, and visitors are asked to lock them in their vehicle. Lost, stolen or damaged personal property is not the responsibility of the facility.
Staff will document all belongings brought into the Hospital.
In order to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment, no more than two (2) visitors at one time may visit a patient/client, unless approved by the treatment team and/or Charge Nurse.
All visitors will be required to review and sign the Confidentiality Agreement.
No outside food, drinks, candy, gum, etc will be allowed during the visitation.
No pets are allowed.
Patient/clients are permitted to receive packages while at the hospital. All packages will be retained at the nurse’s station until a staff member, in the presence of the patient/client or family, checks the contents for articles that may be harmful or dangerous to the patient/client.
Visitation with a patient/client may be terminated by the House Supervisor/Charge Nurse at any time such visit appears to be detrimental to the patient/client. Any terminated visit will be documented in the medical record.
A patient/client’s clergyman and/or attorney may visit at any time provided the patient/client’s condition permits and the patient/client desires the visit. Further, members of the clergy will be allowed to visit patient/clients/clients during a public health emergency whenever a patient/client/client or legal or designated representative requests the visit.
Restrictions placed on patient/client visitations shall be ordered by the attending physician/covering practitioner.
Children under 12 are not permitted to visit in the hospital. The attending physician/covering practitioner may write an order to allow children younger than 12 to visit under special circumstances.

Definitions

Justified Clinical Restrictions

Any clinically necessary or reasonable restriction or limitation imposed by the Hospital on a patient/client’s visitation rights which restricts or limits is necessary to provide safe care to the patient/client or other patient/clients. A Justified Clinical Restriction may include, but not limited to one or more of the following: court order limiting or restraining contact to the patient/client; disruptive threatening or violent behavior exhibited toward the patient/client, hospital staff or others in the immediate environment; behavior disruptive of the functioning of the patient/client care unit; reasonable limitations on the numbers of visitors at any one time; patient/client’s risk of infection by the visitor; visitors risk of infection by the patient/client; extraordinary protections because of a pandemic or infectious disease outbreak within the community or hospital; when the patient/client is undergoing care interventions; or minimal age requirements on child visitors.

Support Person

The family member, friend or other individual who supports the patient/client during their hospital stay and may exercise the patient/client’s visitation on their behalf. This individual may be, but is not required to be legally responsible for making medical decisions on the patient/client’s behalf.