CHI Texas Division Updated Caregiver and Visitor Policy

Effective May 14, 2020, the CHI Texas Division has adopted a new visitation policy that continues to provide ongoing protection for our patients, employees, and physicians while recognizing the key role caregivers play in the quality of care and outcomes of patients. This policy aligns with the State of Texas, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines.

The following changes will remain in effect until further notice:

• Visitors aged 18 and older will be allowed in the hospital under the following circumstances:
  • A single designated caregiver acting on the patient’s behalf will be allowed to visit the patient daily during designated timeframes for non-COVID-19 patients. Examples include: the day of a procedure, exam or treatment and daily during an inpatient stay for non-COVID-19 patients.
  • Pediatric, NICU, labor & delivery
  • End-of-life:
    • In extraordinary end-of-life situations, non-COVID-19 patients will be limited to two adult visitors at a time (for a maximum of one hour). COVID-19 positive patients or Patients Under Investigation (PUI) will be limited to one visitor only (for a maximum of one hour). Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by hospital administration.
  • A legally authorized representative of the patient if unable to fulfill their role via technology
  • Other circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by hospital administration.
• We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime, and/or phone.

Until the COVID pandemic has subsided:

• Healthcare workers, visitors, and patients with fever, cough, sore throat, or other COVID-19 like symptoms are not permitted in any area of the hospital, unless seeking care.
• Anyone who has traveled to high-risk areas for COVID-19 or had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 in the past 14 days are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital, unless seeking care.
• All patients and approved visitors are requested to wear a mask while in the hospital.
• Staff will escort patients to and from appointments if needed. Friends/family will drop patients off and pick them up from the front lobby.

Guidance for Visitors and Single Designated Caregivers who meet the exceptions list:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Must pass the screening at the designated entrances which includes:
  • No COVID-19 symptoms per CDC guidelines
  • Have not traveled to infected areas with COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Have not been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• Must frequently wash their hands, limit interactions with others, practice social distancing, are restricted to only the locations designated by the facility, and must limit time outside of the patient’s room.
• Will be required to wear a cloth face covering mask during their hospital visit per CDC and CMS guidelines. If a visitor or single designated caregiver does not have a mask, the facility will provide one.

We understand this change in policy may be difficult for families, but it is imperative we take additional precautions to keep our patients and community safe during this global pandemic.

Below are facilities impacted by the modified visitor policy:

St. Luke’s Health (serving the Greater Houston community)

• Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center
• St. Luke’s Health—Lakeside Hospital
• St. Luke’s Health—Springwoods Village Hospital
• St. Luke’s Health—The Vintage Hospital
• St. Luke’s Health—The Woodlands Hospital
• St. Luke’s Health—Sugar Land Hospital
• St. Luke’s Health—Patients Medical Center
• St. Luke’s Health—Brazosport Hospital

St. Luke’s Health Memorial (serving the communities in Lufkin, Livingston, and San Augustine)

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin
• St. Luke’s Health Memorial San Augustine
• St. Luke’s Health Memorial Livingston

St. Joseph Health (serving the Brazos Valley community)

• St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital
• St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital
• St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital
• St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital
• St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital

For more information on how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, visit chistlukeshealth.org/covid-19 or cdc.gov/coronavirus.