Designated Support Person

As required by law patients with disabilities who receive care at a UConn Health facility, may have a designated support person, present with them throughout their visit to support their disability needs.

• A support person is different than a visitor as they are essential to patient care, communication, autonomy and to ensure equal access to treatment.
• A support person can be a parent of a minor child or a designated person for a patient with a disability.
• The support person must be at least 18 (unless parent/guardian of a minor patient), be free of COVID-19 symptoms and exposure, and screen negative daily.
• The support person must comply with all reasonable requirements imposed by UConn Health to minimize the potential spread of infection.
• Patients with disabilities may have one designated support person with them to support their disability-related needs. Patients with disabilities may include, but are not limited to, individuals with altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, or communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
• A designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management of their care, to physically or emotionally assist them or to ensure effective communication during their stay, provided proper precautions are taken to contain the spread of infection.
• If the patient remains longer than one day, the patient or their family or caregiver may designate two support people, provided only one support person may be present at a time. This restriction must be explained to the patient and support person in plain terms upon or prior to arrival. Staff should ensure that the patient, family, or caregiver fully understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who they wish to identify as their support person.
• Other reasonable accommodations are made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Hospital Entrances - Visitor Check-In

• Visitors must enter through the University Tower or Main Building entrances for proper badging. The Emergency Department (ED) parking area and entrance cannot be used for general entry. Visitors will be redirected to the appropriate entrance.
• Visitors are required to register with the Information Desk and provide a government issued photo identification.
• Visitors will be issued a temporary badge with their name, photo, department and date.
• Visitor badge must be worn throughout the visit; badge cannot be reused at future visits.
• All ED visitors are required to check-in with ED security desk or appropriate staff to obtain a visitor badge.

Questions About Our Visitation Guidelines?

If you have questions, you may contact our Patient Relations Department at 860-679-3176 during normal business hours. In the evening, on weekends and holidays, please contact the main hospital information number at 860-679-2000 and ask to speak with the Nursing Supervisor.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain the safety of our patients, colleagues, and community.

Hospital Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hospital Public Entrance Hours

• University Tower: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or as posted.
• Main Building: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or as posted.
• Emergency Department: Open 24/7 for emergency and maternity care only. No general visitor access during the above operating hours.

Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Patients: No visitors are allowed except for end-of-life care, medical necessity, patients in labor, and specific predefined circumstances. Exceptions will be managed at the unit or department leadership level.

Inpatient Hospital Rooms, including Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Up to three visitors per patient at a time may be at the patient’s side during visiting hours, space permitting, at the discretion of the care team. Visitors must be 12 or older.

• Additional visitors may be at the patient’s side under some circumstances (e.g., long-term hospitalization, family meeting, end-of-life visits, patient/family request) at the discretion of care team, managed at unit or department leadership.
• Additional approved visitors and those switching off are not permitted on the inpatient unit, including in the waiting room or lounge.
• Visits can be tiring for patients, please keep track of your time with your loved one.
• Gatherings of family members, friends and other acquaintances of the patient are not permitted in the patient room or in the family waiting room. Speak with the care team about any extenuating circumstances.

Inpatient Behavioral Health: Two visitors per patient at a time at the discretion of the clinical team during department-specific visiting hours.

Emergency Department (ED): Two visitors at the bedside 24 hours a day. Visitors must be 12 or older. Visitors may swap during the patient’s stay. Additional visitors may be at the patient’s side at the discretion of care team.

Labor and Delivery: One support partner and two visitors, no children. For OB/postpartum, two visitors aged 12 and up, siblings are welcome. Additional visitors may be at the patient’s side at the discretion of care team.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Two parents or guardians may visit their infant anytime, 24 hours a day. Up to 4 consistent designees may visit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A maximum of two visitors are allowed at the bedside at a time. Siblings who are a twin or triplet to the inpatient neonate may visit with a parent or legal guardian.

Radiology, Laboratory, and Other Services: Up to two visitors may accompany the patient and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit. Children under 16 must be supervised by a non-patient adult at all times. For safety reasons, visitors may not be permitted in exam/procedure rooms.

Please consult with the care team about any special circumstances.

Please review the information below to learn guidelines for accompanying patients to appointments at UConn Health.

• Masks are now optional in UConn Health’s outpatient clinics and urgent cares. Some patients, including those with symptoms of respiratory infection, will be required to wear a mask.

• We continue to ask that you avoid accompanying a patient if you have symptoms of illness. We also ask that you continue to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you enter or leave a clinic or exam room.

Companions/Visitors

• Children are expected to behave in a manner consistent with a healing environment.
• For safety reasons, visitors may not be permitted in exam/procedure rooms.

Please consult with the care team about any special circumstances.

Surgical and Procedure Patients: Up to two people may accompany the patient throughout the surgical or procedural process.

Medical Office and Urgent Care Visits: Two companions or support persons may accompany the patient and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times. For safety reasons, visitors may not be permitted in exam/procedure rooms. Exceptions will be managed by clinical and practice leadership.

New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI): No companions or visitors are permitted, except for a designated support person for patients with a disability. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before the visit. Exceptions will be managed by clinical leadership.

Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center: Companions must be at least 12 years of age. We continue to ask that you do not accompany a patient if you have symptoms of illness and that you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you enter or leave the clinic, infusion room or exam room. Requirements may change at any time at the discretion of care team.

Radiology, Laboratory, and Other Services: Two visitors may accompany the patient and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times. For safety reasons, visitors may not be permitted in exam/procedure rooms.

Requirements for Patient Visitors and Companions - All Locations

Safety Measures

Update to Screening: Effective May 23, 2023, visitors no longer need to answer COVID-19 screening questions upon arrival or complete a digital self-screener before entering UConn Health facilities.

Everyone entering UConn Health facilities is still required to follow basic COVID-19 safety measures including:

• If you are experiencing cough, cold or any symptoms of flu, COVID-19, or any infectious disease, please do not visit or accompany a patient.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please postpone your visit until 10 days have passed.
• Visitors and companions may be restricted for other reasons at the discretion of the care team.
• Gatherings of family members, friends and other acquaintances of the patient will not be permitted in patient rooms, family lounges, patient or family waiting rooms or facility lobbies.
• As a reminder, UConn Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all areas, including parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances.
• If a visitor refuses to follow these guidelines, they will be asked to leave the facility.
• Extenuating circumstances to the temporary guidelines and individual requests will always be considered based on the best interest and needs of the patient.

UConn Health does not deny, restrict, or otherwise limit visitation privileges or family presence based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Masking

As of April 27, 2023, UConn Health updated its Masking Protocol. Masks are now OPTIONAL in all UConn Health clinics, urgent cares, hallways, cafes/cafeteria, and UConn Health shuttle buses.

However, masks continue to be REQUIRED in inpatient care/hospital patient rooms surgical and procedural areas and in the Emergency Department and for anyone with respiratory symptoms.

When masks are required at UConn Health, neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with exhalation valves are not accepted face masks. See our Mask Protocol.

Requirements for Patient Visitors and Companions - All Locations

Visitors must be at least 12 years of age in most circumstances except as posted.

As of April 27, 2023 UConn Health updated its Masking Protocol. Masks are now OPTIONAL in all UConn Health clinics, urgent cares, hallways, cafes/cafeteria, and UConn Health shuttle buses. However, masks continue to be REQUIRED in inpatient care/hospital and in the Emergency Department.

When masks are required at UConn Health, neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with exhalation valves are not accepted face masks. See our Mask Protocol.

Visitors are required to use an approved public entrance and follow all safety guidelines, including physical distancing and hand hygiene.

As a reminder, UConn Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all areas, including parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances.

Visitors who have recently had COVID-19 or confirmed exposure to COVID-19 cannot visit or accompany a patient until 10 days have passed. This may differ from community guidelines.

Please do not visit or accompany a patient if you have:

• A fever above 100°F, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, recent loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea
• Been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 10 days
• Been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 10 days

UConn Health does not deny, restrict, or otherwise limit visitation privileges or family presence based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Designated Support Person

Patients with disabilities who receive care at a UConn Health facility may have a designated support person present with them throughout their visit to support their disability needs.

• A support person can be a parent of a minor child or a designated person for a patient with a disability.
• The support person must be at least 18 (unless parent/guardian of a minor patient), be free of COVID-19 symptoms and exposure, and screen negative daily.
• The support person must comply with all reasonable requirements imposed by UConn Health to minimize the potential spread of infection.
• Patients with disabilities may have one designated support person with them to support their disability-related needs. Patients with disabilities may include, but are not limited to, individuals with altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, or communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
• A designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management of their care, to physically or emotionally assist them or to ensure effective communication during their stay, provided proper precautions are taken to contain the spread of infection.
• If the patient remains longer than one day, the patient or their family or caregiver may designate two support people, provided only one support person may be present at a time. This restriction must be explained to the patient and support person in plain terms upon or prior to arrival. Staff should ensure that the patient, family, or caregiver fully understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who they wish to identify as their support person.
• Other reasonable accommodations are made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Hospital Patient Visitation Check-In

• Hospital visitors must enter through the University Tower or Main Building for proper screening and badging. Visitors entering at another entrance will be asked to reenter at the appropriate entrance.
• Visitors are required to register with the Information Desk by providing their photo identification.
• Visitors will receive a temporary badge containing their name, photo, unit, and date.
• Hospital visitors can complete screening in person at entry or use our online prescreening tool on the day of the visit. Learn about our prescreening tool.

Hospital Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hospital Public Entrance Hours

• University Tower: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or as posted.
• Main Building: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or as posted.
• Emergency Department: Open 24/7 for emergency and maternity care only. No general visitor access during the above operating hours.

Visitors must be 12 or older, except in the following units:

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – age 16 or older

Visitors must wear masks at all times, including in the patient room.

Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Patients: No visitors are allowed except for end-of-life care, medical necessity, patients in labor, and specific predefined circumstances. Exceptions will be managed at the unit or department leadership level.

Please see the guidelines for specific care areas below: 

Inpatient Hospital Rooms: Two visitors at the bedside for unlimited time during visiting hours. Visitors may swap throughout the day. Additional approved visitors and those switching off are not permitted on the inpatient unit, including in the waiting room or lounge.

Intensive Care Unit: Two visitors over the age of 16 at the bedside during visiting hours. Visitors may swap throughout the day and as requested or permitted by the care team. The waiting room may be used by additional approved visitors in compassionate care circumstances at the discretion of the care team.

Inpatient Behavioral Health: Two visitors per patient per day at the discretion of the clinical team during department-specific visiting hours. The time and duration of the visit may be limited at the discretion of the clinical care team.

Emergency Department (ED): One visitor age 12 and up is permitted at the bedside 24 hours a day. Visitors may swap during the patient’s stay. Additional approved visitors may use the waiting room if space and accommodations permit. Please speak with the care team about extenuating circumstances.

Labor and Delivery: Two support partners are permitted during labor and delivery (only one partner is allowed in the operating room for cesarean section). Two visitors age 12 and up are welcome in most other circumstances. Please speak with the care team about any special situations.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Two parents or guardians may visit their infant anytime, 24 hours a day. Up to 4 consistent designees may visit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A maximum of two visitors are allowed at the bedside at a time. Siblings who are a twin or triplet to the inpatient neonate may visit with a parent or legal guardian.

No other visitors are permitted at this time. Please consult with the care team about any special circumstances.

Visitor access remains limited and is outlined below. In some cases, visitor access may not be allowed due to physical space allowances.

• We appreciate you coming to your appointment alone if you are an adult patient and feel you do not need support from a companion.
• Visitors must be 12 or older in most circumstances.
• Masks are now optional in UConn Health’s outpatient clinics and urgent cares.
• Access to waiting areas, exam rooms, and clinical areas varies by location due to physical space constraints. The care team may ask visitors to wait in an alternate location if needed for distancing.
• Please speak with your care team about any special circumstances before coming to your appointment. Limited exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of clinical and practice leadership.

Please see the guidelines for specific care areas below: 

Surgical and Procedure Patients: One visitor per patient. Please speak with the care team about any individual circumstances.

Medical Office and Urgent Care Visits: One visitor at least 12 years of age can accompany an adult patient to their appointment and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit. Exceptions will be managed by clinical and practice leadership.

Women’s Health (OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Family Medicine Practices: Speak with the care team ahead of time to determine whether an infant or child under the age of 12 may accompany you. Please do not show up to your appointment with a child under 12 if not preapproved. Limited exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI): No companions or visitors are permitted, except for a designated support person for patients with a disability. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before the visit. Exceptions will be managed by clinical leadership.

Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center: One visitor for most clinic and infusion appointments. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before your visit.

Radiology, Laboratory, and Other Services: One visitor may accompany the patient and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit.

Designated Support Person

Patients with disabilities who receive care at a UConn Health facility may have a designated support person present with them throughout their visit to support their disability needs.

• A support person can be a parent of a minor child or a designated person for a patient with a disability.
• The support person must be at least 18 (unless parent/guardian of a minor patient), be free of COVID-19 symptoms and exposure, and screen negative daily.
• The support person must comply with all reasonable requirements imposed by UConn Health to minimize the potential spread of infection.
• Patients with disabilities may have one designated support person with them to support their disability-related needs. Patients with disabilities may include, but are not limited to, individuals with altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, or communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
• A designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management of their care, to physically or emotionally assist them or to ensure effective communication during their stay, provided proper precautions are taken to contain the spread of infection.
• If the patient remains longer than one day, the patient or their family or caregiver may designate two support people, provided only one support person may be present at a time. This restriction must be explained to the patient and support person in plain terms upon or prior to arrival. Staff should ensure that the patient, family, or caregiver fully understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who they wish to identify as their support person.
• Other reasonable accommodations are made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Hospital Patient Visitation Check-In

• Hospital visitors must enter through the University Tower or Main Building for proper screening and badging. Visitors entering at another entrance will be asked to reenter at the appropriate entrance.
• Visitors are required to register with the Information Desk by providing their photo identification.
• Visitors will receive a temporary badge containing their name, photo, unit, and date.
• Hospital visitors can complete screening in person at entry or use our online prescreening tool on the day of the visit. Learn about our prescreening tool.

Hospital Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hospital Public Entrance Hours

• University Tower: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or as posted.
• Main Building: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or as posted.
• Emergency Department: Open 24/7 for emergency and maternity care only. No general visitor access during the above operating hours.

Visitors must be 12 or older, except in the following units:

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – age 16 or older

Visitors must wear masks at all times, including in the patient room.

Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Patients: No visitors are allowed except for end-of-life care, medical necessity, patients in labor, and specific predefined circumstances. Exceptions will be managed at the unit or department leadership level.

Please see the guidelines for specific care areas below: 

Inpatient Hospital Rooms: Two visitors at the bedside for unlimited time during visiting hours. Visitors may swap throughout the day. Additional approved visitors and those switching off are not permitted on the inpatient unit, including in the waiting room or lounge.

Intensive Care Unit: Two visitors over the age of 16 at the bedside during visiting hours. Visitors may swap throughout the day and as requested or permitted by the care team. The waiting room may be used by additional approved visitors in compassionate care circumstances at the discretion of the care team.

Inpatient Behavioral Health: Two visitors per patient per day at the discretion of the clinical team during department-specific visiting hours. The time and duration of the visit may be limited at the discretion of the clinical care team.

Emergency Department (ED): One visitor age 12 and up is permitted at the bedside 24 hours a day. Visitors may swap during the patient’s stay. Additional approved visitors may use the waiting room if space and accommodations permit. Please speak with the care team about extenuating circumstances.

Labor and Delivery: Two support partners are permitted during labor and delivery (only one partner is allowed in the operating room for cesarean section). Two visitors age 12 and up are welcome in most other circumstances. Please speak with the care team about any special situations.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Two parents or guardians may visit their infant anytime, 24 hours a day. Up to 4 consistent designees may visit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A maximum of two visitors are allowed at the bedside at a time. Siblings who are a twin or triplet to the inpatient neonate may visit with a parent or legal guardian.

No other visitors are permitted at this time. Please consult with the care team about any special circumstances.

Visitor access remains limited and is outlined below. In some cases, visitor access may not be allowed due to physical space allowances.

• We appreciate you coming to your appointment alone if you are an adult patient and feel you do not need support from a companion.
• Visitors must be 12 or older in most circumstances.
• Visitors must wear masks at all times. This includes waiting rooms, elevators, and lobbies.
• Access to waiting areas, exam rooms, and clinical areas varies by location due to physical space constraints. The care team may ask visitors to wait in an alternate location if needed for distancing.
• Please speak with your care team about any special circumstances before coming to your appointment. Limited exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of clinical and practice leadership.

Please see the guidelines for specific care areas below: 

Surgical and Procedure Patients: One visitor per patient. Please speak with the care team about any individual circumstances.

Medical Office and Urgent Care Visits: One visitor at least 12 years of age can accompany an adult patient to their appointment and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit. Exceptions will be managed by clinical and practice leadership.

Women’s Health (OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Family Medicine Practices: Speak with the care team ahead of time to determine whether an infant or child under the age of 12 may accompany you. Please do not show up to your appointment with a child under 12 if not preapproved. Limited exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI): No companions or visitors are permitted, except for a designated support person for patients with a disability. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before the visit. Exceptions will be managed by clinical leadership.

Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center: One visitor for most clinic and infusion appointments. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before your visit.

Radiology, Laboratory, and Other Services: One visitor may accompany the patient and wait in the lounge as space and accommodations permit.

Patient Visitor Guidelines

• No visitors under 18 years of age, except as posted in select departments and in extenuating circumstances.
• Guidelines apply to any relative, partner, friend or other person that the patient chooses to have accompany or visit during care.
• UConn Health does not deny, restrict, or otherwise limit visitation privileges or family presence based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
• Patients with disabilities who receive care at a UConn Health facility may have a designated support person present with them throughout their visit to support their disability needs. Learn more below.
• Exceptions for extenuating and predefined (e.g., end-of-life care) circumstances are at the discretion of clinical care leadership. Speak with the care team about any special situations before coming to the hospital or an appointment.
• Patients may receive spiritual care services from their clergy, pastoral care provider, or other care partner as long as services are not disruptive to care.
• Virtual visitation using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and phone calls is encouraged. Ask the care team for help if needed.

Designated Support Person

• Support person includes parent of a minor child and a support person for a patient with a disability.
• Support person must be at least 18 (unless parent/guardian of a minor patient), be free of COVID-19 symptoms and exposure, and screen negative daily.
• Support person must comply with all reasonable requirements imposed by UConn Health to minimize the potential spread of infection.
• Patients with disabilities may have one designated support person with them to support their disability-related needs. Patients with disabilities may include, but are not limited to, individuals with altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disability, or communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
• Designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management of their care, to physically or emotionally assist them or to ensure effective communication during their stay, provided proper precautions are taken to contain the spread of infection.
• If the patient remains longer than one day, the patient or their family or caregiver may designate two support people, provided only one support person may be present at a time. This restriction must be explained to the patient and support person in plain terms, upon or prior to arrival. Staff should ensure that the patient, family or caregiver fully understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who they wish to identify as their support person.
• Other reasonable accommodations are made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Hospital Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hospital Public Entrance Hours

• University Tower: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or as posted.
• Main Building: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or as posted.
• Emergency Department: Open 24/7 for emergency and maternity care only. No general visitor access during the above operating hours.

Inpatient Hospital Rooms: Two visitors over the age of 18 per patient per day (together or separately). Visitors must wear masks at all times, including while in patient room.

Intensive Care Unit: Two visitors over the age of 18 per patient per day (together or separately) or as requested/permitted by the care team. Visitors must wear masks at all times, including while in patient room.

Inpatient Behavioral Health: One visitor per patient per day is permitted at the discretion of the clinical team during department-specific visiting hours. The time and duration of the visit may be limited at the discretion of the clinical care team.

Emergency Department (ED): One adult visitor per patient during ED visit, 24/7. The visitor may exit, re-enter, and swap with one other designated adult visitor at the discretion of the clinical care team (for a total of two). The time and duration of the visit may be limited at the discretion of the clinical care team.

Labor and Delivery: Two designated support persons allowed for labor, induction of labor and delivery (only one support person is allowed in the operating room for cesarean section). After delivery, one support person may stay in room, no additional visitors allowed. Antepartum patients may have one designated support person in room as well as one additional visitor per day (total of two). Exceptions for any other special circumstances or unexpected situations at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Two parents/guardians/designee may visit their infant at any time, 24 hours a day. Note: siblings 14 years of age and older are welcome (for a total of two visitors). No other visitors are permitted at this time. Please consult with the care team about any special circumstances.

Visitor access is limited and outlined below. In many cases, visitor access may not be allowed due to physical space allowances.     

Complete your COVID-19 screening survey using the prescreen tool to ease your arrival and check-in process. Learn how to use the tool.

• We appreciate you coming to your appointment alone if you are an adult patient and feel you do not need support from a companion.
• Access to waiting areas, exam rooms, and clinical areas varies by location due to physical space restraints. The care team may ask visitors to wait in an alternate location if needed for distancing.
• Please speak with your care team about any special circumstances before coming to your appointment. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Surgical and Procedure Patients: One person is permitted for transportation and registration, except for a support person for a patient with a disability or a pediatric/minor patient. The visitor may wait in the appropriate lounge if space and accommodations permit. Please speak with the care team about individual circumstances.

Medical Office and Urgent Care Visits: One person at least 18 years of age is permitted to accompany patients to appointments as space and accommodations permit.

Women’s Health (OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Family Medicine Practices: Speak with the care team ahead of time to determine whether an infant/child may accompany you. Please do not show up to your appointment with a child if not preapproved. Decisions are made on a visit-by-visit basis.

New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI): No companions or visitors are permitted, except for a designated support person for patients with a disability. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before the visit.

Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center: Most clinic appointments allow one adult companion or visitor. No companions or visitors are allowed in the infusion room. Please speak with the care team about any special circumstances before your visit.

Radiology, Laboratory, and Other Services: One person at least 18 years of age is permitted per patient, per appointment, only as space and accommodations permit.

Complete your COVID-19 screening survey using the prescreen tool to ease your arrival and check-in process. Learn how to use the tool.

• We appreciate you coming to your appointment alone if you are an adult patient and feel you do not need support from a companion.
• One designated adult companion may wait in the appropriate waiting area or lounge if space and accommodations permit.
• Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by clinical leadership. To request an exception, please contact the clinic 24-48 hours before the appointment.
• See further details and special circumstances below.

Special Health Care Needs

• Adult dental patients with special health care or disability needs may be accompanied by one adult to the appointment, including the treatment area.
• If the patient is unable to make health care decisions, the individual must be a legally authorized decision-maker.

Minor Patient

• Minor dental patients (<18 years of age) must be accompanied by a legal guardian for all appointments.
• Minors who are not patients are not permitted in treatment areas. If additional minors are present but do not have appointments, they must remain in the waiting area under the supervision of another responsible adult while the legal guardian accompanies the minor patient in the treatment area.

Patients Receiving IV Sedation

• All dental patients who receive IV sedation for their treatment must have a responsible adult transport them to and from appointments. This individual must be immediately available and remain on the premises for the duration of the appointment. This individual may not have minors with them.

Patient Visitor Requirements

• Guidelines apply to any relative, partner, friend or other person that the patient chooses to have accompany them or visit them during care.
• Visitors, companions and support persons must be 18 years of age or older, except as posted in select departments and in extenuating circumstances.
• Speak with the care team about any special situations before coming to campus for the visit or appointment. Clinical discretion remains in place.

Designated Exceptions

• Support persons for patient with disability (see full details below).
• End-of-life care.
• Pediatric/minor patients.

Patient with a Disability

• One designated support person may accompany a patient with a disability, including altered mental status, physical, intellectual, developmental or cognitive disabilities, communication barriers, sensory issues or behavioral concerns, throughout their visit or stay, to support their disability related needs.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and pass entry screening.
• If the patient remains longer than one day, two support people may be designated.
• Staff should ensure that the patient or their representative understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who they wish to identify as support person.
• Other reasonable accommodations are made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

• Visiting Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or as permitted in some areas).
• No in-person visitation for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 positive patients.
• Patients may receive spiritual care services from their clergy, pastoral care provider or other care partner as long as services are not disruptive to care. Religious and spiritual care partners are not counted as visitors when totaling the daily maximums noted below.
• Virtual visitation using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and phone calls is encouraged. Ask the care team for help if needed.

Hospital Public Entrances

University Tower: Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends and Holidays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Main Building: Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays* 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as posted.*

*Closed Christmas Day (December 25, 2021) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2022)* - Use University Tower Entrance.

Emergency Department: Open 24/7 for emergency and maternity care only. No general visitor access during above operating hours.

Inpatient Hospital Rooms: One visitor at the bedside per patient per day during visiting hours, for a maximum of 4 hours, except with designated exceptions. Two visitors (total) may switch (one exchange per day) provided that it is deemed safe to do so by care team and clinical leadership. To limit people in patient care and waiting areas, switching must take place outside of the hospital.

Intensive Care Unit: One adult visitor per patient per day or as requested/permitted by the care team. Two visitors may switch (one exchange per day) provided that it is deemed safe to do so by care team and clinical leadership. To limit people in patient care and waiting areas, switching must take place outside of the hospital.

Inpatient Behavioral Health: One visitor per patient per day is permitted at the discretion of the clinical team during department-specific visiting hours. Duration of visit will be determined by clinical team.

Emergency Department (ED): One adult visitor per patient except for designated exception provided there is enough space for physical distancing. Two visitors may switch (one exchange per day) provided that it is deemed safe to do so by ED care team and clinical leadership. Time and duration of visit will be at discretion of the clinical team.

Labor and Delivery: Two designated support persons allowed for labor, induction of labor and delivery (only one support person is allowed in the operating room for cesarean section). After delivery, one support person may stay in room, no additional visitors allowed. Antepartum patients may have one designated support person in room as well as one additional visitor per day (total of two). Exceptions for any other special circumstances or unexpected situations at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Two parents/guardians/designee may visit their infant at any time, 24 hours a day. Note: siblings 14 years of age and older are welcome (for a total of two visitors). No other visitors permitted at this time. Please consult with the care team about any special circumstances.

Please use the prescreen tool before arrival to ease your arrival and check-in process. Learn more about the tool.

• If you are an adult patient and feel you do not need emotional or physical support from a companion, we appreciate you coming to your appointment alone to help us limit the number of people in our facilities.
• Access to waiting areas, exam rooms and clinical areas varies by location due to physical space restraints. The care team may ask visitors to wait in an alternate location if required for social distancing.
• Please speak with your care team about any special circumstances before coming to your appointment. Exceptions are made at the discretion of clinical leadership.

Surgical and Procedure Patients: One person is allowed for transportation and registration, with exceptions for patient with disability support person or caregiver for pediatric/minor patient. Visitor may wait in appropriate lounge if space and accommodations permit. Please speak with care team about individual circumstances.

Medical Office Visits: One person at least 18 years of age is permitted to accompany patients to appointments.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Family Medicine Practices: Speak with the care team ahead of time to determine whether an infant/child may accompany you. Please do not show up to your appointment with a child if not already approved. Decisions are made on a visit by visit basis.

New England Sickle Cell Center (NESCI): No companions or visitors permitted, with exceptions for designated support person for patients with a disability. Please speak with care team about any special circumstances before visit.

Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center: One adult companion or visitor allowed for most clinic appointments. No companions or visitors allowed in the infusion room. Please speak with care team about any special circumstances before visit.

Radiology, Laboratory, and Other Services: One person at least 18 years of age is permitted per patient, per appointment, if space and accommodations permit.

• Visitors are generally discouraged. One designated adult companion may wait in appropriate waiting area or lounge, if space and accommodations permit.
• Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by clinical leadership. To request an exception, please contact the clinic 24-48 hours before the appointment.
• See further details and special circumstances below.

Special Health Care Needs

• Adult patients with special health care or disability needs may be accompanied by one adult to the appointment, including the treatment area.
• If the patient is unable to make health care decisions, the individual must be a legally authorized decision-maker.

Minor Patient

• Minor dental patients (<18 years of age) must be accompanied by a legal guardian for all appointments.
• ​Only one legal guardian is permitted in the dental treatment area with a minor child.
• Minors who are not patients are not permitted in treatment areas. If additional minors are present but do not have appointments, they must remain in the waiting area under the supervision of another responsible adult while the legal guardian accompanies the minor patient in the treatment area.

Patients Receiving IV Sedation

• All dental patients who receive IV sedation for their treatment must have a responsible adult transport them to and from appointments. This individual must be immediately available and remain on the premises for the duration of the appointment. This individual may not have minors with them.

Support Person for Patients with Disabilities

A patient with a disability, including altered mental status, physical, intellectual, developmental or cognitive disabilities, communication barriers, sensory issues or behavioral concerns may have one designated support person accompany them throughout their visit or stay to support their disability related needs. Some examples include autism spectrum disorder, dementia, mobility disorders, hearing or visual impairment.

• For purposes of these guidelines, a designated support person is not considered a ‘visitor’.
• Support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, guardian, community support provider, peer support, or other individual knowledgeable about the management of the patient’s care.
• Support person must be at least 18 years of age and must pass entry screening. If the support person remains longer than one day, screening is to be conducted at least every 12 hours by the patient’s care team or at the information desk.
• If the patient remains longer than one day, there may be a need to designate two support people, with only one person present at a time. This restriction should be explained to the patient and support person in plain terms, upon arrival or, ideally, prior to arrival. Staff should ensure that the patient or their representative fully understands this restriction, allowing the patient to decide who he or she wishes to identify as his or her support person
• Support persons will be permitted to safely eat, drink and use a restroom while present in the facility, provided proper precautions are taken.
• Other reasonable accommodations will be approved by clinical leadership according to the needs of the patient, provided appropriate infection prevention measures can be followed.

Outpatient Guidance

Physician Offices, Radiology, Laboratory, Ambulatory Services

• No companions or visitors allowed. To maintain social distancing, visitors and companions are not permitted to wait in lobbies or other public areas of our facilities. Please speak with care team about any exception or disability support need.

Dental Services

• No companions or visitors allowed, no waiting in buildings (this includes children of patients). Exception for parent of minor patients. Please speak with care team about any exception for extenuating circumstances.

Surgical and Procedure Patients

• One adult companion or visitor allowed for transportation and registration only. Please speak with care team about any exception for extenuating circumstances.

New England Sickle Cell Center (NESCI)

• No companions or visitors, no waiting in buildings. Please speak with care team about any exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center

• One adult companion or visitor allowed for clinic appointments. No companions or visitors allowed in the infusion room. Please speak with care team about any exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Hospital Guidance

General Visiting Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or as posted in some areas)

Entrance Hours: 

• University Tower (Hospital) Entrance: Open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
• Main Building Entrance: Open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
• Emergency Department: Open 24/7 for patients and companions arriving for emergency and maternity care and after-hours access only. During operational hours, visitors must use the University Tower or Main Building entrances.

Inpatient Rooms: Two adult visitors per patient per day during visiting hours, for maximum of four hours in patient’s room only. Please speak with a supervisor or manager about any exception.

Intensive Care Unit: Two  adult visitors per patient or as permitted/requested by care team. Visitors must follow all safety protocols and wear mask at all times in patient room.

Labor and Delivery: One designated support person per patient during stay. Exception for doulas with certificates, antepartum patient expected to deliver, special circumstances.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Two parents/guardians allowed in hospital. One at bedside, other in designated waiting area.

Emergency Department: Two adult visitors per patient or as permitted/requested by care team.

Screening Steps

When entering our facilities, all patients, visitors and support persons must be screened for signs of illness and potential exposure to COVID-19. Please plan your arrival time in order to complete the following steps:

1. Upon arrival, check-in with information desk or screening staff.
2. You will be screened for temperature. If 100 °F or higher, you will not be permitted to enter the facility.
3. We will ask you if you have any of the following new or worsening symptoms without a clear explanation:

• • Fever (100 degrees F or higher)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Note: If you can answer yes to any of these symptoms, please do not visit or accompany any patient in our facilities.

4. You will be asked about your recent travel to or from any of the restricted locations on the State of Connecticut's Coronavirus site.
   1. If a visitor answers YES within the past 14 days, they will not be welcomed into our facilities.
   2. If a patient answers YES they will be instructed to limit their visit to their appointment location only, wear their mask securely at all times and carefully follow all safety protocols.
5. You will be asked about COVID testing due to symptoms and any recent exposure to a known COVID positive patient.
   1. If a visitor has tested positive within the past 21 days, or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID positive patient, they will not be permitted to enter.
   2. If a patient has tested positive within the past 21 days, is suspected to have COVID-19 or has been exposed to a confirmed COVID positive patient, the practice/department leadership will be consulted regarding entry. Patients will not be permitted to enter until confirmation is received. Note: many of our providers are available for telemedicine visits.

Thank you for your understanding and your help in keeping our patients, colleagues, and community safe.