Effective April 17, 2025
Maternity visitor restrictions will be discontinued starting 4/17/25. Respiratory illness restrictions will continue in the NICU.
Visitation guidelines may vary by site of care and department/units inside hospitals, including Maternity, NICU, ICU and behavioral health. Please check with the site or department/unit for specific restrictions if there are questions.
Hospital Visitor Self-Screening
Visitors should not visit if they are ill, and should not enter/visit if they have experienced any of the following signs or symptoms in the last 10 – 14 days: Sore throat, congestion or runny nose, cough, fever (100.4°F/38°C) or chills, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell, rash.
Hospitals - General Visiting Guidelines
- Hospital visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- Visiting hours may vary on specific units; please contact unit managers for questions.
- Community Health Network registers all visitors to acute care areas. Please be prepared to show photo ID at the registration desk when you arrive.
- Two visitors at a time.
- Overnight visitors:
- One overnight visitor (18 or older) is permitted.
- Overnight visitors are not permitted in the ICUs at Community Hospital Anderson, Community Howard and Community Hospital South.
- If the patient you are visiting is in isolation, you will be asked to observe our PPE requirements for that type of isolation before entering the room.
Maternity Hospital Units
- No visitors under age 18 during flu restrictions.
- One authorized visitor/primary support person is permitted to visit/stay 24/7.
- Patients may have no more than four (4) visitors at a time at bedside. The one primary support person and siblings of the newborn are considered visitors.
- Visitors may switch out during visitation hours.
- Visitors must use hand sanitizer upon entry.
- In addition, a doula is permitted for labor and post-partum, and should be screened, follow posted guidelines, and properly credentialed upon arrival to the facility.
NICU Hospital Units
4/17/25 - NICU units continue to have restrictions to protect against respiratory illnesses.
- No visitors under age 18 unless a parent.
- Those with respiratory symptoms may not visit.
- NICU department visitation varies by hospital and considerations unique to the hospital departments may necessitate additional guidelines which will be shared with NICU families when an infant is admitted to the unit.
- Patients may have no more than two (2) visitors at a time at bedside. Siblings are considered visitors.
- Open visitation hours 24/7.
- Visitors must wear masks inside patient rooms when requested.
- Visitors must wash hands upon entry to the department.
- Visitors are not permitted to eat or drink in a patient's room.
Emergency Departments
- Two (2) visitors at a time unless clinical needs require additional restriction.
- Minors must be accompanied by one (1) over 18 adult/parent/guardian.
- Patients will either be discharged following evaluation and treatment, or admitted, at which time the appropriate inpatient visitor policy applies.
- If the patient you are visiting is in isolation, you will be asked to observe our PPE requirements for that type of isolation before entering the room.
Surgery (Inpatient/Outpatient/Surgery Center)
- Surgical procedures: Two (2) visitors/patient escorts may accompany a patient and wait in the designated (pre op/post op room, lobby) area while the patient is in the operating/procedural area.
Ambulatory Visits (Hospital and Off-Site)
This includes provider offices, MedCheck locations and other non-hospital care sites.
- Two (2) adult visitors, plus children, are allowed.
- Minors must be accompanied by one (1) over 18 adult/parent/guardian.
- OB Ultrasounds: A patient and two (2) partners/support persons may attend the entire OB ultrasound as well as the OB visit following the ultrasound.
Community MD Anderson Cancer Centers
- Two adult visitors plus children age 12 or older are allowed.
