Visiting Hours & Policies

UVM Medical Center believes in patient- and family-centered care and strives to promote patient and family participation in all aspects of their care. In most cases, adult patients are permitted unrestricted visitation, with consideration given to the environment and ability to provide safe, high-quality care. All children under the age of 13 years old must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Please help us maintain a healing environment by staying home if you are sick, avoiding overcrowding or noise.

Emergency Department

For patient and staff safety, everyone entering the emergency department must pass through a security screening that includes a metal detector.

In order to efficiently screen for dangerous items, we only allow transparent/clear bags to pass through the emergency department screening point.

• Don't have a clear bag? We have complimentary bags at our entrance, and our security team is also happy to check bags as well.
• Diaper bags and small handbags 6.5 x 4.5" or smaller are allowed.

Inpatient

Patients are permitted visitors at their bedside. One visitor may stay overnight in the room as space allows. Some units may have more limitations because of the unique nature of their patient population, such as:

• Inpatient Psychiatry: Visiting hours are 5 am-9 pm. Overnight visitation is not permitted.
• NICU: Please contact the NICU for specific guidelines.

Outpatient Clinics

Patients are permitted support people at their clinic visits as space allows. Some clinics may have more limitations because of the unique nature of their patient population, such as:

• Infusion Clinics (such as chemotherapy) & Dialysis: 1 support person permitted

Service Animals

Service dogs are welcome at UVM Medical Center to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of UVM Medical Center facilities where the general public is normally allowed unless the service animal's presence will compromise or interfere with patient care or present a direct threat to the health and safety of others. 

Please note: Personal pets whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. UVM Medical Center staff are under no obligation to allow these animals into the facility.

Weapons Policy

In the best interest of public safety, weapons (firearm, explosive, explosive materials or any other deadly or dangerous device) are prohibited in all facilities owned or operated by UVM Medical Center. With the exception of Law Enforcement personnel, firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons are prohibited, whether they are displayed openly or concealed. Anyone possessing such items will be asked to secure them with Security or in their vehicle until they leave the property. Explosives are not permitted on any UVM Medical Center property and UVM Medical Center staff will not accept any type of explosive material for safekeeping.

Golisano Children's Hospital believes in patient- and family-centered care and strives to promote patient and family participation in all aspects of their care. In most cases, adult patients are permitted unrestricted visitation, with consideration given to the environment and ability to provide safe, high-quality care. All children under the age of 13 years old must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Please help us maintain a healing environment by staying home if you are sick, avoiding overcrowding or noise.

Inpatient

Patients are permitted visitors at their bedside. One visitor may stay overnight in the room as space allows. Some units may have more limitations because of the unique nature of their patient population, such as:

• NICU: Please contact the NICU for specific guidelines.

Outpatient Clinics

Patients are permitted support people at their clinic visits as space allows. Some clinics may have more limitations because of the unique nature of their patient population, such as:

• Infusion Clinics (such as chemotherapy) & Dialysis: 1 support person permitted

Service Animals

Service dogs are welcome at UVM Medical Center to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of UVM Medical Center facilities where the general public is normally allowed unless the service animal's presence will compromise or interfere with patient care or present a direct threat to the health and safety of others. 

Please note: Personal pets whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. UVM Medical Center staff are under no obligation to allow these animals into the facility.

Weapons Policy

In the best interest of public safety, weapons (firearm, explosive, explosive materials or any other deadly or dangerous device) are prohibited in all facilities owned or operated by UVM Medical Center. With the exception of Law Enforcement personnel, firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons are prohibited, whether they are displayed openly or concealed. Anyone possessing such items will be asked to secure them with Security or in their vehicle until they leave the property. Explosives are not permitted on any UVM Medical Center property and UVM Medical Center staff will not accept any type of explosive material for safekeeping.

Central Vermont Medical Center believes in patient/resident-and family-centered care and strives to promote patient/resident and family participation in all aspects of their care, according to the preferences of the patient/resident. The purpose of this policy is to welcome the presence and participation of family members while their loved one is receiving care.

Inpatient

• There are no age restrictions; children and teens are welcome at the bedside. Children 13 years or younger must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
• The number of family and friends present is dependent on the needs and comfort of the patient as well as the needs and comfort of the second patient in a semi-private room.
• Department staff may ask patients and families to limit numbers of family and friends at the bedside when it impacts the environment of care.
• Family and friends may be asked to leave a patient’s room when the patient’s roommate requires care, sensitive discussion or at other times where privacy is needed.
• When families of patients in semi-private rooms would like to remain at the patients’ bedside overnight, honoring the requests and privacy of both patients is very important. The nurse, with the assistance of the Charge Nurse and Administrative Nursing Coordinator as needed, will help evaluate the situation and support overnight stays whenever possible.
• One overnight adult friend or family member will be welcomed, two for pediatric patients.
• The hospital's main entrance is locked from 9 pm-5:30 am. Family and friends can enter through the Emergency Department (ED) during these hours. Please note: everyone entering the ED must pass a security screening, including a metal detector and inspection of belongings. Security will then escort family and friends to their loved one's location.
• Women & Children’s Unit has Quiet Hours, designated periods of time dedicated to promoting rest and sleep, daily from 1:30-3:30 pm and from 9 pm–5 am.

Emergency Department

• Two family members or friends at a time at the discretion of department staff.

Outpatient/ExpressCare

• Adult: One family member or friend at a time.
• Pediatric: Two family members or friends at a time.
• Siblings can attend an outpatient appointment when alternate care arrangements cannot be made. Parents are asked to ensure siblings remain in in the room.
• Obstetrics & Gynecology: Infants may attend postpartum visits with their mother.

Surgical/Procedural

• Two adults at a time may accompany the patient in the infusion room, and the pre-procedure and recovery areas of surgery, endoscopy, and pain clinic.

Woodridge Rehabilitation & Nursing

• Please refer to Woodridge's Visitation Policy.

Service Animals 

Central Vermont Medical Center will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has provisions that allow persons with the need to have trained service animals in public facilities. 

• Service Animals: Dogs and miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
• Certified Therapy Dogs: Highly trained animal assisted activity dogs (with their volunteer handlers) who have prior approval to visit selected units and patients and are registered/certified members of a recognized pet therapy certification organization.
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Pets owned by patients or visitors that provide support to a person with mental illness that have been prescribed by a Licensed Independent Practitioner. ESA’s will be considered after the handler has provided documentation from their Licensed Independent Practitioner in the form of a written prescription or letter that specifies the ESA is prescribed by a provider.  
• Personal Pets: Approval is on a case-by-case basis.

Weapons Policy

In the best interest of public safety, weapons (firearm, explosive, explosive materials or any other deadly or dangerous device) are prohibited in all facilities owned or operated by Central Vermont Medical Center. With the exception of Law Enforcement personnel, firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons are prohibited, whether they are displayed openly or concealed. Anyone possessing such items will be asked to secure them with Security or in their vehicle until they leave the property. Explosives are not permitted on any Central Vermont Medical Center property and Central Vermont Medical Center staff will not accept any type of explosive material for safekeeping.

Family members and loved ones are valued members of the health care team and play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of our patients. If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, loss of taste or smell or diarrhea, you will be asked to wear a mask. There may also be some instances where visitors will be required to don a mask when visiting a patient in isolation or if the patient is under protective measures.

Inpatient

• Visting hours are 8 am-8 pm.
• If patient is COVID+/ PUI/ Quarantine, visitors will wear a N95 mask/respirator, protective eyewear, gown and gloves (provided by the facility) for the duration of the visit in the room.
• Persons not able or willing to wear the appropriate protective equipment for the duration of their time in the patient room/ building will not be permitted entry or allowed to remain in our facility.

Inpatient - End of Life Care

• Four designated visitors/support persons at a time, 24 hours a day. Visitors may switch out.

Psychiatric Units

• Two persons ages 12 and older as coordinated by the unit may visit between 2-6 pm.

Women & Children's Center

• Three visitors ages 18 and older OR one adult with two siblings of the new baby are permitted. One support person may stay overnight post-partum.
• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day

Emergency Department

• One support person, 18 years or older
• Staff will exercise their best clinical judgement in determining when support persons may be temporarily limited. Compassionate exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions are as follows:
  • Two parents/guardians may accompany pediatric patients.
  • Two visitors may accompany persons in end-of-life care.
  • Support persons are not able to wait in the waiting room but can join the patient when assigned to a room.
  • Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day

Surgical/Procedural Patients

• Two support persons

Outpatient Clinic Patients

• Including diagnostic imaging, laboratory, rehabilitation and FitzPatrick Cancer Treatment Center
• Two support persons

Skilled Nursing Facility

• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of facilities where the general public is normally allowed unless the service animal’s presence will compromise or interfere with patient care or present a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Please note: Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. Staff are under no obligation to allow these animals into the facility.

Weapons Policy

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital policy prohibits staff/public from carrying or concealing a firearm or weapon of any kind, while on our properties. Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital does allow law enforcement to carry their weapons/firearm at any time (both, on or off duty) in accordance with the “Law Enforcement Officer’s Safety Act.”

Restrictions for Behavioral Health Units (Adult & Child Adolescent units): No person shall bring onto or possess a firearm within the Adult or Child Adolescent Mental Health Units as per New York State Office of Mental Health Regulation Part 542. Law Enforcement Officers with business on the Adult or Child/Adolescent Mental Health Units are not permitted on these units with their weapons, (Firearm, Taser or Pepper Spray). All items are to be secured prior to escorted entry onto unit with MHU staff. A weapons lockbox is provided in the 4th Floor Lobby area for the officer’s use. Security assistance can be requested if so needed. Only upon prior arrangement made with the MHU Director, (or their designee,) and after all patients have been removed from a particular wing, can an officer be granted access with a weapon in their possession.

Hospital visiting hours are 10 am–8 pm. Up to two health visitors are allowed at the bedside at a time. There are no age restrictions. Children 12 years and under must be companied by a parent or supervising adult at all times.

Inpatient

• Up to two healthy individuals during visiting hours
• In limited circumstances, one support person may remain overnight as space allows
• Semi-private rooms: The needs of the second patient will also be put into consideration. The care team will collaborate on how to best fit the needs of each patient. The care team may limit the number of people in the room if it impacts the environment of care 10 am–8 pm.
• Visits in semi-private rooms may need to be arranged through care team to accommodate maximum visitors.

Inpatient - End of Life Care

• Family presence at the end of life is managed by the care team in consultation with nursing leadership.
• Up to four family members at a time are welcomed for patients in end-of-life care.
• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day.

Emergency Department

• Up to two healthy support persons
• One support person for COVID/PUI with limited exceptions (i.e. pediatric patients, patients with intellectual/developmental disabilities or cognitive impairment including dementia or end of life)
• Exceptions can be made by the clinical care team when it is medically necessary for a patient’s wellbeing and safety
• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day

Outpatient

• One or two healthy support persons

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of facilities where the general public is normally allowed unless the service animal’s presence will compromise or interfere with patient care or present a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Please note: Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. Staff are under no obligation to allow these animals into the facility.

Family members and loved ones are valued members of the health care team and play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of our patients. Many other members of the health care team, health care business and health care learning communities also require access to our facility to support the work we do for patients.

Our Visitor Welcoming Policy, developed in accordance with New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stays true to our core principles of following the data and the science while always maintaining our focus on what is best for our patients, our staff and the community.

Inpatient

• 8 am-8 pm
• Two visitors/support persons
• If patient is COVID+/ PUI/ Quarantine, visitors will wear a N95 mask/respirator, protective eyewear, gown and gloves (provided by the facility) for the duration of the visit in the room.
• Persons not able or willing to wear the appropriate protective equipment for the duration of their time in the patient room/ building will not be permitted entry or allowed to remain in our facility.

Inpatient - End of Life Care

• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day
• Four designated visitors/support persons

Emergency Department

• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day
• Two support persons, 18 years or older
• Staff will exercise their best clinical judgement in determining when support persons may be temporarily limited.
• Two designated support persons (one at a time) for Covid positive, PUI, and quarantine must be able to wear N95, protective eye wear, gown and gloves as provided by the hospital for the duration of their visit.
• Two support persons may accompany persons in end-of-life care.
• Support persons are not able to wait in the waiting room but can join the patient when assigned to a room.

Surgical/Procedural Patients

• Two support persons

Outpatient Clinics

• Two support persons

Skilled Nursing Center

• Visitation is welcome 24 hours a day
• Please refer to The Alice Center's Visitation Policy.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of facilities where the general public is normally allowed unless the service animal’s presence will compromise or interfere with patient care or present a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Please note: Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. Staff are under no obligation to allow these animals into the facility.

Weapons Policy

In order to ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff, the possession or use of any weapon within the buildings of Alice Hyde Medical Center is expressly prohibited. This prohibition extends to all individuals except as noted below. Weapons in vehicles parked on Alice Hyde Medical Center property must be stored in cases that shall not be visible to individuals passing by the vehicle. The vehicle must be locked. A weapon shall be defined as firearms (including air guns), knives (other than ordinary penknives and pocketknives), explosives, slingshots, archery equipment, swords and any other weapons as determined by Alice Hyde Medical Center.

The prohibition on the possession or use of weapons shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement and correctional officers acting in the lawful discharge of their duties.

Porter Medical Center believes in patient- and family-centered care and strives to promote patient and family participation in all aspects of care. In most cases, adult patients are permitted unrestricted visitation, with consideration given to the clinical environment and ability to provide safe, high-quality care.

Visitation is welcome during normal hours of operation, 8 am-6 pm.

Weapons Policy

In the best interest of public safety, weapons (firearm, explosive, explosive materials or any other deadly or dangerous device) are prohibited in all facilities owned or operated by Porter Medical Center. With the exception of Law Enforcement personnel, firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons are prohibited, whether they are displayed openly or concealed. Anyone possessing such items will be asked to secure them with Security or in their vehicle until they leave the property. Explosives are not permitted on any Porter Medical Center property and Porter Medical Center staff will not accept any type of explosive material for safekeeping.

We care for the whole family, with 24/7 availability for emergency home nursing visits to ensure you have the support you need, whenever you need it. We are committed to your safety 
during our visits. Safe working conditions help our staff provide you with the best possible care. Please review our home visit safety guidelines.

Weapons Policy

In the best interest of public safety, weapons (firearm, explosive, explosive materials or any other deadly or dangerous device) are prohibited in all facilities owned or operated by Home Health & Hospice. With the exception of Law Enforcement personnel, firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons are prohibited, whether they are displayed openly or concealed. Anyone possessing such items will be asked to secure them with Security or in their vehicle until they leave the property. Explosives are not permitted on any Home Health & Hospice property and Home Health & Hospice staff will not accept any type of explosive material for safekeeping.