Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released the following materials pertaining to visitation guidance:
- Patient Visitation FAQ Dear Colleague Letter (Dated January 17, 2024)
- FAQ on Patient Visitation at Certain Federally Funded Entities and Facilities​
- Press Release regarding obligations to ensure religious non-discrimination in patient visitation
This initiative aims to avoid religious discrimination, particularly during a public health emergency. These resources remind organizations of their obligation to ensure visitation policies do not discriminate but also effectively communicate visitation restrictions to patients and residents.