HHSC EXPANDS IN-PERSON VISITS AT NURSING FACILITIES
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has expanded visitation statewide in nursing facilities and other long-term care settings, effective immediately.
The HHSC says per federal guidance issued March 10th by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, fully vaccinated nursing facility residents are now allowed close, in-person visits with family members and friends who are not designated essential caregivers, as long as proper safeguards are in place.
While nursing facilities will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols like wearing face masks, they can now allow close contact during visitation for fully vaccinated residents; outdoor visitation at all facilities, even if they have an outbreak; up to two essential caregivers at the same time to visit a resident with any COVID-19 status; no time limits for visitation; and end-of-life visits for all residents regardless of COVID-19 status.
In addition, nursing facilities no longer need to request visitation approval from the HHSC, monitor or escort visitors to and from the visitation area, limit indoor visitation to areas with a plexiglass barrier or booth, or require a negative COVID-19 test for essential caregiver or salon services visitors.
The HHSC has also expanded visitation allowed in assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities and home and community-based services providers. The new rules also remove certain administrative requirements for providers, such as needing to have staff monitor certain visits and escort visitors to and from a visiting area.
Click here to view the full list of updated emergency rules for nursing facilities.