MDHHS Issues Visitation Guidance
This morning, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) issued an emergency Departmental Order regarding visitation in all nursing facilities and assisted living (AL) settings. Please note, that independent living settings are not included in this most recent order.
This new order becomes effective on October 26, 2020 and is in effect until lifted. In discussion with MDHHS, the department shared the order is intended to replace the June 30th, September 10th, and October 6th orders as well.
The order expands visitation to allow for indoor visitation based on COVID prevalence by region as identified in the MI Safe Start Map, presence of COVID within a facility within the prior 14 days, with the use of visitor testing, and adherence to COVID controls and protocols.
NOTE: HCAM/MCAL strongly recommends all providers read the full order prior to reviewing the infographics to ensure they fully understand the requirements of the visitation orders.
Specific criteria include:
- Communal dining and activities are to be limited consistent with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance issued in QSO-20-39. AL settings should be sure to review this guidance as it will now be applicable under this order.
- Notification and communication of COVID positive residents and staff must continue as previously identified.
- Outdoor visitation is allowed with the use of face coverings, social distancing and protection from the elements.
- Indoor visitation is allowed in regions that are at Low, A, B, C, or D risk levels and the facility has had no new COVID cases originating in the facility in either staff or residents within the previous 14 days, and the facility is not currently following an outbreak testing cadence.
- Visits are by appointment only, limited to no more than 2 per resident, and limited overall at any given time based on facility ability to manage social distancing requirements and resident privacy.
- Visitors must be screened prior to entry and not admitted if they do not pass the screening or are either unable or unwilling to adhere to wearing a face mask throughout the duration of the visit.
- Visitors in regions at either C or D risk level must be tested prior to entry, either by the facility, or individually within 72 hours prior to the visit with proof of results shared with the facility.
- The facility must provide education to visitors, post signage, and have an infection control trained staff member or volunteer available at all times during visitation hours.
- Exceptions remain in effect for medical service providers and clinical students, as well as those non-medical service providers such as beauticians and clergy that are deemed necessary to prevent negative outcomes for residents. These exceptions allow these individuals to enter facilities in situations where other visitation is otherwise prohibited. These individuals are still held to testing requirements.
In addition to issuing the emergency order, MDHHS also shared a basic Residential Care Visitation Order Infographic, as well as a Visitation Order Special Cases Infographic.
