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NFs Reminded of COVID-19 Visitation Requirements

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Nursing facility providers are reminded of the ongoing visitation requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. They can be cited for non-compliance with these requirements.

All NFs must apply to HHSC for an expanded (general) visitation designation. They must make all reasonable documented efforts to become approved for this designation.

Mandatory COVID-19 visits, regardless of a facility’s general visitation designation status or county positivity rate, are:

  • Essential caregiver (only for COVID-19 negative residents and those whose COVID-19 status is unknown).
  • End-of-life.
  • Closed window.

COVID-19 visits allowed for facilities with an approved general visitation designation and a county positivity rate of 10 percent or less (COVID-19 negative residents only) are:

  • Vehicle parades.
  • Open window.
  • Indoor plexiglass.

Outdoor visitation is allowed in NFs with an approved general visitation designation status. This is regardless of a county’s positivity rate (COVID-19 negative residents only).

Salon services visitation:

  • Allowed regardless of a facility’s general visitation designation status or county positivity rate.
  • Not allowed for residents with an active COVID-19 infection.

PL 2020-44, COVID-19 Response - Expansion of Reopening Visitation (PDF) details the requirements above.