Updated Visitor Policy

CHI Texas Division Adopts Highly Restrictive Visitation Policy

Effective May 6, 2020, the CHI Texas Division has adopted a new visitation policy that continues to provide ongoing protection for our patients, employees, and physicians while recognizing the key role caregivers play in the quality of care and outcomes of patients. This policy aligns with the State of Texas, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines. 

The following changes will remain in effect until further notice: 

• No visitors will be allowed in the hospital unless they meet criteria outlined below. 

• A single designated caregiver acting on the patient’s behalf will be allowed to accompany the patient on the day of procedure, before and after a procedure, exam, or treatment and on the day of discharge for non-COVID-19 patients 

• Exceptions include: 

  • Pediatric, NICU, labor & delivery 

  • End-of-life 

    • In extraordinary end-of-life situations, non-COVID-19 patients will be limited to two adult visitors (for a maximum of one hour) and COVID-19 positive patients or Patients Under Investigation (PUI) will be limited to one visitor (for a maximum of one hour).

  • A legally authorized representative of the patient if unable to fulfill their role via technology 

  • Other exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by hospital administration. 

• All visitors must be adults; under no circumstances are children under the age of 18 allowed in our facilities.

• We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime, and/or phone. 

Until the COVID pandemic has subsided: 

• Healthcare workers, visitors, and patients with fever, cough, sore throat, or other COVID-19 like symptoms are not permitted in any area of the hospital, unless seeking care.

• Anyone who has traveled to high-risk areas for COVID-19 or had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 in the past 14 days are not permitted to visit any area of the hospital, unless seeking care. 

• All patients and approved visitors are requested to wear a mask while in the hospital. 

• Staff will escort patients to and from appointments if needed. Friends/family will drop patients off and pick them up from the front lobby. 
  

Guidance for Visitors who meet the exceptions list: 

• All visitors must be adults (18 years old or older).

• All visitors must pass the screening at the designated entrances which includes: 

  • No COVID-19 symptoms per CDC guidelines 

  • Have not traveled to infected areas with COVID-19 in the past 14 days 

  • Have not been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days 

• All approved visitors must frequently wash their hands, limit interactions with others, and are restricted to only the locations designated by the facility. 

• All approved visitors will be required to wear a cloth face covering mask during their hospital visit per CDC and CMS guidelines. If a visitor does not have a mask, the facility will provide one. 
  

We understand this change in policy may be difficult for families, but it is imperative we take additional precautions to keep our patients and community safe during this global pandemic. 

Below are facilities impacted by the modified visitor policy: 

St. Luke’s Health (serving the Greater Houston community) 

• Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center 

• St. Luke’s Health—Lakeside Hospital 

• St. Luke’s Health—Springwoods Village Hospital 

• St. Luke’s Health—The Vintage Hospital 

• St. Luke’s Health—The Woodlands Hospital 

• St. Luke’s Health—Sugar Land Hospital 

• St. Luke’s Health—Patients Medical Center 

• St. Luke’s Health—Brazosport Hospital 
  

St. Luke’s Health Memorial (serving the communities in Lufkin, Livingston, and San Augustine) 

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial San Augustine

• St. Luke’s Health Memorial Livingston 
  

St. Joseph Health (serving the Brazos Valley community) 

• St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital 

• St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital 

• St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital 

• St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital 

• St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital