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HHSC Publishes Revised Rules for Nursing Facility Visitation

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CMS recently revised nursing facility visitation guidelines providing additional flexibilities in light of COVID-19 vaccination availability.

HHSC has also recently revised nursing facility visitation rules providing additional flexibilities, which are in alignment with CMS guidelines. Texas nursing facilities can now permit:

  • Up to two essential caregivers at the same time to visit a resident with any COVID-19 status in all nursing facilities.
    • Previously only one essential caregiver at a time could visit a resident.
    • Previously essential caregiver visits were not permitted for a COVID-19 positive resident.
  • End-of-life visits for all residents who are at the end-of-life with any COVID-19 status in all nursing facilities, with more flexibility for end-of-life visits as the expanded definition of end-of-life now includes all residents:
    • Receiving hospice services.
    • At or near the end of life, with or without receiving hospice services.
    • Whose prognosis does not indicate recovery.
  • Outdoor visitation at all facilities even when the facility has an outbreak.
    • Previously outdoor general visitation was not permitted for a facility with an outbreak.
  • All visitation without time limits, while adhering to infection prevention and control measures.
  • Close/personal contact during any visitation for vaccinated residents.
    • Previously close/personal contact was limited to essential caregiver and end-of-life visits.

Nursing facilities no longer need to:

  • Request visitation approval from HHSC.
  • Monitor visits or escort visitors to and from the visitation area.
  • Limit indoor visitation to areas with a plexiglass barrier or booth.
  • Require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test result for essential caregiver or salon services visitors. 

Read HHSC’s revised visitation rules.