Nursing Homes

Family Visitation

Long-Term Care Visitation

Federal Guidance

CMS memorandum QSO-20-39-NH Revised, Nursing Home Visitation-COVID-19 (03/10/2021)
New federal guidance on visitations in nursing homes were issued by the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services and the Center for Disease Control. A discussion on the impact of the new vaccination is included in the recommendations.

Texas Guidance

Effective Sept. 24th, Governor Abbott's Executive Order No. GA-30 [PDF] allows some visitation at long-term care facilities. Governor Abbott's Executive Order No. GA-34 [PDF], effective March 10th, 2021 also instructs long-term care facilities to follow the guidance on visitation set by the Texas Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Facilities must meet certain requirements before allowing visitors.

PL 2020-44, COVID-19 Response - Expansion of Reopening Visitation [PDF] (10/19/20)
This Long-Term Care Regulatory Provider Letter from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services outlines the requirements for essential caregiver visits, salon services visits, and some indoor and outdoor visitation in nursing facilities.
HHSC Expands Visitation at Long-Term Care Facilities, Allows Designated Essential Family Caregivers to Provide Support (9/17/2020)
This press release describes new HHSC guidelines for long term care facilities. These guidelines expand visitor access if the facility meets certain criteria.

Before Sept. 24th, 2020

Texas Will Allow Visitations at Nursing Homes, Other Long-Term Care Facilities With Active COVID-19 Cases (9/17/2020)
This news article describes the eased restrictions for nursing home and other long term care facility visitation.
NF COVID-19 Phase 1 Visitation Emergency Rules [PDF]
These rules were issued by HHS on August 6th, 2020 and relate to visitation at long-term care facilities in Texas.
HHSC to Allow Limited Visitation at Nursing Facilities and Long-Term Care Facilities (8/6/2020)
This news briefing explains that the latest guidance from Texas Health and Human Services Department regarding requiring nursing facilities and visitors.
Texas to Allow Limited Visitation in Nursing Homes With No Active Coronavirus Cases (8/6/2020)
This news article describes new policies from state health officials allowing nursing home visits in some circumstances.

FAQs

Nursing Facility COVID-19 FAQs (HHS)
This FAQ from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services answers questions providers may have about reporting, personal protective equipment (PPE), resident COVID-19 status, visitors, and more. Updated on November 30th, 2020.
Nursing Homes and COVID-19 (TexasLawHelp.org)
This page has answers to frequently asked questions about nursing home visitation and safety requirements in Texas.

Get Help

Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (HHS)
A Long-Term-Care Ombudsman can help family members advocate for the rights and well-being of their loved ones who are in a long-term care facility.

Guardian Visitation

JBCC Announcement Regarding Guardianships and Visitations
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many nursing homes and assisted care facilities are no longer allowing visits to the residents. The JBCC has issued this page with advice to maintain your guardianship duties in the face of these restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions by Guardians About the COVID-19 Pandemic (National Guardianship Association) [PDF]
This document addresses common questions that guardians may have about their responsibilities toward their loved one or client during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More help?

FreeLegalAnswers.org
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Our Legal Help guide has information on free legal hotlines, legal clinics, and legal aid organizations, as well as information on how to find a lawyer who could represent you.
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Questions? Ask us! Librarians at the State Law Library can provide information about the law, but cannot give legal advice.

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COVID-19 & Texas Law