Before visiting a patient at a VA facility, review these guidelines:　

PLEASE READ - UPDATED VISITATION POLICY FOR DAYTON VA

1. Due to the persistent community COVID-19 rates and increasing Influenza and other respiratory virus activity, visitation restrictions will remain in effect, albeit updated per Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Facilities Visitation Quick Guide. This is to ensure the safety of our Veterans, staff, and other visitors. Visitation to the Dayton VA Medical Center and the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) will be open to Veterans with scheduled appointments or when going to the emergency room, and visitors of Veterans admitted or attending scheduled appointments. A visitor is defined as any individual, including a child, entering a VHA facility for the purpose of accompanying or visiting a Veteran receiving care or services from the facility.

2. VISITATION PROCEDURES: Persons entering facilities must be symptom free of COVID-19-related complaints (fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, GI symptoms). All persons entering must agree to abide by the recommendations noted below. A refusal to adhere to the recommendations listed here may be the basis for a denial of admittance.

a. Face masks are required upon entering and physical distancing should be maintained while inside the facility.

b. A maximum of 2 companions is requested. This recommendation is subject to change based on the COVID-19 Community Prevalence Level.

c. Alternative methods of visitation are encouraged at all times when feasible (e.g., telephone, video visit).

d. Veterans are encouraged not to bring minor children into the facility. However, minors who are symptom-free and able to maintain a face mask, and adhere to disease reduction measures, including hand hygiene, and physical distancing will not be turned away.

e. When visiting patients in the emergency department or acute care units, the visitor must first check with the unit Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, or Social Worker before the visit. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and guidance on donning/doffing will be provided by the nursing staff for any visitor appropriate to the patient’s current isolation status. A face mask (including an N-95 respirator) and face shield can be provided to the visitor if needed.

f. Anyone who fails to adhere to the guidelines set forth, may be issued a verbal warning by the VA Police. Continued failure to comply may result in the denial of admittance and/or termination of visitation.

3. ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE: The following additional guideline pertains to visitation:

a. Due to the elevated risk to residents of the Community Living Center (CLC), specific guidelines will be established and maintained by the CLC. This will be independent of the main facility and will follow the VHA issued CLC guidance.

b. For outpatient appointments and outpatient procedures, visitors are encouraged to remain in their vehicles or outside the building for the duration of the Veteran’s appointment/procedure if possible. Companions entering the facility should stay with the patient during any visitation period and should limit visits to other locations. The exception to this is to retrieve prescriptions from

Outpatient Pharmacy, meals from the Canteen, and/or shopping in the Canteen Store.

c. Visitation guidelines are subject to change based on the COVID-19 Community Prevalence Rate and the facility’s current threat posture. The facility will maintain communication through signage, website notifications and training of staff and volunteers at entry points. Visitors are encouraged to call the facility before arrival to ensure compliance with current guidelines.

Prohibited items
You're not allowed to bring weapons, cameras, or other prohibited items into the medical center, except when you're conducting official business authorized by the Director or their designee. If you have questions about what qualifies as official business, please contact the facility's Director.　

Giving privacy
Our staff may ask you to leave the room when they’re caring for patients. If a staff member asks you to leave a patient's room, you may continue your visit in the day room, waiting area, or any other public area of the facility.

Visiting seriously ill patients
Relatives and friends may visit patients who are seriously ill or in hospice care at any time of day, unless the staff doctor says no.

Visiting patients in restraints
In general, you won't be allowed to visit patients who are in restraints. If the treatment team decides that your visit could have a positive effect on the patient, then you may have a supervised visit with the patient when a staff member removes the restraints. Our staff will document how the patient responds to you and other visitors.