ODP Announcement 20-047 outlines guidance for residential providers to develop policies for managing visitors during COVID-19 while facilitating personal relationships between each individual and persons of their choosing.

As stated in ODP Announcement 20-027, COVID-19 Operational Guidance, the requirements for allowing visitors was suspended (providers may prohibit/restrict visitation in line with CMS recommendations for long term care facilities). The modification of this right is not required to be justified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP).

In alignment with the requirements under Governor Wolf’s Stay at Home Order, Residential Habilitation and Life Sharing providers can develop policies and/or procedures that:

• prohibit individuals from receiving visitors in the home
• prohibit individuals from returning to the home if they choose to visit others outside of the home

Residential Habilitation and Life Sharing providers should notify relatives and other individuals designated by the individual of the visitation policies and/or procedures being implemented by the provider. The announcement outlines several considerations that should be taken when developing policies/procedures related to visitation and communicating with anyone interested in visiting individuals receiving residential services, including procedures to follow when individuals go to their family’s home.