The Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance to remind hospitals and long-term care facilities of their obligation to comply with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations. These regulations ensure that their visitation policies do not discriminate unlawfully and are in line with federal civil rights laws. These laws provide protection against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability, even during a public health emergency.
Examples of the frequently asked questions include:
- What facilities have patient and resident visitation obligations?
- Do facilities have to notify patients or residents of their right to patient visitation?
- Are facilities allowed to limit patient visitation?
- Can a facility restrict how a patient or resident interacts with their visitors?
To read the entire list of FAQ’s, click here.
