Patient Visitation Policy
To maintain a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have temporarily revised our visitation policy. These guidelines apply to all patients within Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital.
New COVID Testing & Vaccination Guidelines for Visitors
State Public Health Order/Patient Visitation Regulations
Effective Aug. 11, 2021, visitors at general acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours.
Very Limited Exceptions Apply
Acceptable Forms of COVID-19 Tests
- Only COVID-19 tests from APPROVED testing sites are accepted. Approved testing sites can be found by visiting VCRecovers.org
- At-home tests such as QuickVue and Binax-Now are NOT ACCEPTED at this time
Acceptable Forms of Vaccination Documentation
- COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card that includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date of the last dose
- Photo of a Vaccination Record Card as a separate document
- Photo of the Vaccination Record Card stored on a phone or electronic device
- Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider
- Digital record that includes a QR code. To obtain go to myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
- Documentation of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test where the specimen collection occurred within 72 hours before each visit and for which the test results are available at the time of entry to the facility (visitors may use either PCR testing or antigen testing)*
*If you are unvaccinated and visiting a patient who is staying in a healthcare facility for an extended length of time, you will need to show new proof of a negative COVID-19 test at least every 72 hours.
For information on obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine or test, please visit venturacountyrecovers.org.
All visitors must wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
General Hospital Visitation Guidelines: Purple
- No visitors will be permitted for ADULT patients, except:
- To provide support to patients with physical, intellectual and/or developmental or cognitive disabilities. One support person to be present when medically necessary.
- Labor & Delivery patients may have one support person and a doula, if used. After delivery, only one support person allowed.
- Compassionate Care visitation is allowed for patients at end of life and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- All visitors will be screened before entering the facility.
- All visitors must be 18 years or older, have a temperature below 100.0 F and no signs/symptoms of COVID-19 for the past two days, and wear a face mask at all times.
- Visitors who are ill, have a fever or have had exposure to a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contact within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter any CMHS location.
- Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or has a pending COVID test, should not visit or accompany a patient.
- All approved visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment and clean hands frequently (using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water).
- Visitors/support persons must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between persons.
- Visitors/support persons must remain in the patient’s room, except when accessing public restrooms.
- Visitors/support persons must refrain from eating and drinking in patient rooms, as these activities necessitate mask removal.
Note: Only visitors meeting the outlined criteria and not exceeding allowed numbers will be permitted access into the facilities. All additional individuals must remain outside of the hospital.
Note: Visitors unable or unwilling to comply with these infection prevention requirements will be restricted from visiting in person and encouraged to use alternative visitation methods.
Note: Circumstances with specific caregiving needs will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with nursing and the attending physician. Nursing management must approve any exception to these guidelines.
General Hospital Visitation Guidelines: Red
- All patients without COVID-19 may have one healthy visitor per day. Exception: patients with suspected COVID-19 will not be permitted visitors until a negative test is received.
- Visitors will be allowed entry between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
- Overnight visitation will not be allowed.
- All visitors will be screened before entering the facility.
- All visitors must be 18 years or older, have a temperature below 100.0 F and no signs/symptoms of COVID-19 for the past two days, and wear a face mask at all times.
- Visitors who are ill, have a fever or have had exposure to a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contact within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter any CMHS location.
- Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days should not visit or accompany a patient.
- All approved visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment and clean hands frequently (using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water).
- Visitors/support persons must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between persons.
- Visitors/support persons must remain in the patient’s room, except when accessing public restrooms.
- Visitors/support persons must refrain from eating and drinking in patient rooms, as these activities necessitate mask removal.
Note: Only visitors meeting the outlined criteria and not exceeding allowed numbers will be permitted access into the facilities. All additional individuals must remain outside of the hospital.
Note: Visitors unable or unwilling to comply with these infection prevention requirements will be restricted from visiting in person and encouraged to use alternative visitation methods.
Note: Circumstances with specific caregiving needs will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with nursing and the attending physician. Nursing management must approve any exception to these guidelines.
General Hospital Visitation Guidelines: Red
- All patients without COVID-19 may have two healthy visitors per day. Exception: patients with suspected COVID-19 will not be permitted visitors until a negative test is received.
- All visitors must show proof of being fully vaccinated or having a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours.
- Visitors will be allowed entry between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Visiting hours end at 8 p.m.
- Overnight visitation will not be allowed.
- All visitors will be screened before entering the facility.
- Visitors are required to check in upon entry to the hospital to receive a visitor badge AND return the visitor badge upon checkout when leaving the hospital to ensure only two are present for each patient.
- All visitors must be 18 years or older
- All visitors must have a temperature below 100.0 F and no signs/symptoms of COVID-19 for the past two days
- All visitors must wear a face mask at all times.
- Visitors who are ill, have a fever or have had exposure to a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contact within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter any CMHS location.
- Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days should not visit or accompany a patient.
- All approved visitors must clean hands frequently (using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water).
- All visitors must wear additional personal protective equipment if directed to do so by nursing staff.
- Visitors/support persons must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between persons.
- Visitors/support persons must remain in the patient’s room, except when accessing public restrooms.
- Visitors/support persons must refrain from eating and drinking in patient rooms, as these activities necessitate mask removal.
Note: Only visitors meeting the outlined criteria and not exceeding allowed numbers will be permitted access into the facilities. All additional individuals must remain outside of the hospital.
Note: Visitors unable or unwilling to comply with these infection prevention requirements will be restricted from visiting in person and encouraged to use alternative visitation methods.
Note: Circumstances with specific caregiving needs will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with nursing and the attending physician. Nursing management must approve any exception to these guidelines.
General Hospital Visitation Guidelines: Orange
- All patients without COVID-19 may have two healthy visitors at a time. Exception: patients with suspected COVID-19 will not be permitted visitors until a negative test is received.
- Visitors will be allowed entry between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Visiting hours end at 8 p.m.
- Overnight visitation will not be allowed.
- All visitors will be screened before entering the facility.
- Visitors are required to check in upon entry to the hospital to receive a visitor badge AND return the visitor badge upon checkout when leaving the hospital to ensure only two are present for each patient.
- All visitors must be 18 years or older
- All visitors must have a temperature below 100.0 F and no signs/symptoms of COVID-19 for the past two days
- All visitors must wear a face mask at all times.
- Visitors who are ill, have a fever or have had exposure to a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contact within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter any CMHS location.
- Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days should not visit or accompany a patient.
- All approved visitors must clean hands frequently (using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water).
- All visitors must wear additional personal protective equipment if directed to do so by nursing staff.
- Visitors/support persons must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between persons.
- Visitors/support persons must remain in the patient’s room, except when accessing public restrooms.
- Visitors/support persons must refrain from eating and drinking in patient rooms, as these activities necessitate mask removal.
Note: Only visitors meeting the outlined criteria and not exceeding allowed numbers will be permitted access into the facilities. All additional individuals must remain outside of the hospital.
Note: Visitors unable or unwilling to comply with these infection prevention requirements will be restricted from visiting in person and encouraged to use alternative visitation methods.
Note: Circumstances with specific caregiving needs will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with nursing and the attending physician. Nursing management must approve any exception to these guidelines.
General Hospital Visitation Guidelines
- All patients without COVID-19 may have two healthy visitors at a time. Exception: patients with suspected COVID-19 will not be permitted visitors until a negative test is received.
- Visitors will be allowed entry between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Visiting hours end at 8 p.m.
- All visitors will be screened before entering the facility.
- Visitors are required to check in upon entry to the hospital to receive a visitor badge AND return the visitor badge upon checkout when leaving the hospital to ensure only two are present for each patient.
- One overnight support person may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
- Immediate children and grandchildren of patients are welcome to visit depending on the care level of the patient. Please see visitation chart for detailed guidelines.
- All visitors must have a temperature below 100.0 F and no signs/symptoms of COVID-19 for the past two days.
- All visitors must wear a face mask at all times.
- Visitors who are ill, have a fever or have had exposure to a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contact within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter any CMHS location.
- Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days should not visit or accompany a patient.
- All approved visitors must clean hands frequently (using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and or soap and water).
- All visitors must wear additional personal protective equipment if directed to do so by nursing staff.
- Visitors/support persons must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between persons.
- Unvaccinated visitors/support persons must remain in the patient’s room, except when accessing public restrooms.
- Unvaccinated visitors/support persons must refrain from eating and drinking in patient rooms, as these activities necessitate mask removal.
Note: Only visitors meeting the outlined criteria and not exceeding allowed numbers will be permitted access into the facilities. All additional individuals must remain outside of the hospital.
Note: Circumstances with specific caregiving needs will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with nursing and the attending physician. Nursing management must approve any exception to these guidelines.
Note: Visitors unable or unwilling to comply with these infection prevention requirements will be restricted from visiting in person and encouraged to use alternative visitation methods.
Specialty Area Guidelines Based on Current Risk Level: Purple
Adult Patients
| LEVEL PURPLE | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | No visitors | No visitors |
| Patients with Physical, Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Patients with Cognitive Impairment | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time |
| Compassionate Care Visits | Maximum of 1 visitor allowed at a time. | Maximum of 1 visitor allowed at a time. |
| Labor and Delivery | 1 support person | 1 support person and a Doula, if used. Doula must leave after delivery. |
| Mother-Baby | 1 support person | 1 support person |
| Emergency Department | No Visitors | No visitors, unless special assistance is required** |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | No Visitors | One support person at time of service |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 1 support person where special assistance is required | 1 support person where special assistance is required |
Pediatric Patients
| LEVEL PURPLE | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | One parent or guardian | 2 parents or guardians |
| NICU | One parent or banded individual | 2 parents or banded individuals |
| Emergency Department | One parent or guardian | 2 parents or guardians |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | One parent or guardian | 2 parents or guardians |
| Ambulatory Clinics | One parent or guardian | 2 parents or guardians |
Specialty Area Guidelines Based on Current Risk Level: Red
Adult Patients
| LEVEL RED | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | No visitors | 1 designated visitor |
| Patients with Physical, Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Patients with Cognitive Impairment | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time |
| Compassionate Care Visits | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed at a time. | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed at a time. |
| Labor and Delivery | 1 support person and a Doula, if used. Doula must leave after delivery. | 2 support persons. If a Doula is used they are counted as 1 support person. 1 support person or Doula must leave after delivery. |
| Mother-Baby | 1 banded support person | 1 banded support person |
| Emergency Department | No Visitors | 1 designated visitor |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | No Visitors | One support person at time of service |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 1 support person where special assistance is required | 1 support person where special assistance is required |
Pediatric Patients
| LEVEL RED | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| NICU | 1 parent or banded individual | 2 parents or banded individuals |
| Emergency Department | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 2 parents or guardians | 1 parent or guardian – unless both parents specified by treating provider |
Specialty Area Guidelines Based on Current Risk Level: Red
Adult Patients
| LEVEL RED | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | No visitors | 2 visitors per day |
| Patients with Physical, Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Patients with Cognitive Impairment | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time | 2 support person where special assistance is required |
| Compassionate Care Visits | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed per day. | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed per day. |
| Labor and Delivery | 1 support person and a Doula, if used. Doula must leave after delivery. | 2 support persons and a Doula, if used. Doula must leave after delivery. |
| Mother-Baby | 1 banded support person | 1 banded support person plus one other support person No children, including siblings |
| Emergency Department | No Visitors | 1 designated visitor |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | No Visitors | 1 support person at time of service |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 2 support persons where special assistance is required | 2 support persons where special assistance is required |
Pediatric Patients
| LEVEL RED | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| NICU | 2 parents or banded individuals | 2 parents or banded individuals |
| Emergency Department | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 2 parents or guardians or one parent and one sibling (2 people maximum) | 2 parents or guardians or one parent and one sibling (2 people maximum) |
Specialty Area Guidelines Based on Current Risk Level: Orange
Adult Patients
| LEVEL ORANGE | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | No visitors | 2 visitors at a time |
| Patients with Physical, Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Patients with Cognitive Impairment | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time | 2 support person where special assistance is required |
| Compassionate Care Visits | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed at a time. | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed at a time. |
| Labor and Delivery | 1 support person and a Doula, if used. Doula must leave after delivery. | 2 support persons and a Doula, if used. Doula must leave after delivery. |
| Mother-Baby | 1 banded support person | 1 banded support person plus one other support person No children, including siblings |
| Emergency Department | No Visitors | 1 designated visitor |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | No Visitors | 1 support persons at time of service |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 2 support person where special assistance is required | 2 support person where special assistance is required |
Pediatric Patients
| LEVEL ORANGE | COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| NICU | 2 parents or banded individuals | 2 parents or banded individuals |
| Emergency Department | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Ambulatory Clinics | 2 parents or guardians or one parent and one sibling (2 people maximum) | 2 parents or guardians or one parent and one sibling (2 people maximum) |
Specialty Area Guidelines
Adult Patients
| COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | No visitors | 2 visitors at a time |
| Critical Care or Isolation Rooms | No visitors | 2 visitors at a time Immediate children and grandchildren 14 years or older ONLY NO FLOWERS ALLOWED |
| Patients with Physical, Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Patients with Cognitive Impairment | 1 support person where special assistance is required 2 persons may be designated, but only 1 may be present at a time | 2 support person where special assistance is required Immediate children and grandchildren ONLY |
| Compassionate Care Visits | Maximum of 2 visitors allowed at a time. | 2 visitors at a time. |
| Labor and Delivery | 1 support person and a doula, if used. No children | 3 support persons (one may be a doula) No children |
| Mother-Baby | 1 banded support person | 1 banded support person plus 2 visitors Immediate children/siblings of patient(s) ONLY |
| Emergency Department | No Visitors | 1 support person |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | No Visitors | 1 support persons at time of service |
Pediatric Patients
| COVID Positive or Suspected | COVID Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalized Patients | 2 parents or guardians No children | 2 parents or guardians No children |
| NICU | 2 parents or banded individuals No children | 2 parents or banded individuals No children |
| Emergency Department | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
| Outpatient Procedures- Cath Lab, Surgery | 2 parents or guardians | 2 parents or guardians |
Definitions:
Compassionate Care Visits – Compassionate care situations refer to end-of life and or hospice care, but may include other visits to support grieving patients, or to provide religious and spiritual support. The patients care team may make compassionate exceptions when appropriate
Special assistance** is any circumstance where a patient’s care team determines that a visitor is critical to physical or emotional care
For assistance in determining extenuating circumstances to override the above restrictions, please contact the Nursing Director associated with the unit, or the Vice President, Patient Care/CNO for guidance.
Options for Alternative Visiting
We encourage visitation using virtual means and phone calls to connect with loved ones while they are in the hospital.
If help is needed with this, please let a staff member know. Examples include FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Zoom, WebEx or other web-based video chatting platforms.
We understand the importance of family and friends in the healing process and ask that you help us minimize possible exposures during these times. If you have any questions, please call 805-948-8170.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
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