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Penn State Health changes visitation guidelines effective Nov. 23

In response to the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases, Penn State Health has approved additional restrictions to visitation policies across the health system.

The changes, effective Monday, Nov. 23, apply to Hershey Medical Center, Holy Spirit Medical Center, St. Joseph Medical Center and the Penn State Health Medical Group, Academic Practice and Community Practice divisions.

For inpatient stays, the policy now requires that an adult patient select one designated family/support person to be with him or her during the entire stay. This will be the only person to enter and exit the facility during the patient’s hospitalization. Pediatric patients must have the same two designated family/support persons with them throughout their entire stay.

In addition, note these adult service revisions:

  • Adult Emergency Department ― Change from one family/support person per patient to none
  • Adult Outpatient Clinic ― Change from one family/support person per patient to none

Exceptions will be permitted per the current exception process.

Common exceptions include: 

  • Patients who have an intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability, communication barrier, or behavioral concerns will be permitted an attendant, caregiver or family/support person in accordance with federal and state law
  • End-of-life care
  • Cultural considerations
  • Any scenario in which the inability to visit may have a significant emotional and ethical impact on the patient and/or family that would outweigh the risk to the patient or family/support person(s)
  • Pediatric patients whose parents live separately

The revised guidelines apply to patients who do not meet Special Pathogens criteria.

System leaders will evaluate the guidelines regularly and make needed changes in response to the COVID-19 environment and safety issues across the system.

Employees should take the time to become familiar with the complete visitation document as a safety precaution for patients, support persons and Penn State Health staff. While adhering to these guidelines, keep in mind that patients and their families may find these changes stressful. Work with them to find other ways to connect to their extended support system.

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