New visitation policy, for adult hospital only, takes effect today

Please note that at this time there is no change to the outpatient visitor policy. Only one visitor is allowed to accompany a patient to a clinic visit.

Starting on April 27, Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital is changing its visitor guidelines.

The updated policy for the adult hospital, announced by Shon Dwyer, MBA, RN, president of VUAH, contains the following:

• All who are in the building and on Vanderbilt property must be masked at all times, with the mask covering both the mouth and the nose.
• Two visitors may be in a patient’s room, including in the Intensive Care Unit, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• One visitor may stay in a patient’s room after 9 p.m. and overnight.
• Up to four visitors may be in a patient’s room if the clinical team has determined that the patient is nearing the end of their life.
• Only one visitor may be present for each patient in the Emergency Department due to space constraints.
• Visitor exchange must happen outside of the building to prevent overcrowding in waiting areas.
• No visitors may be in COVID-19 patient rooms at any time.
• Again, please note that there is at this time no change to the outpatient visitor policy. Only one visitor is allowed to accompany a patient to a clinic visit.