Current Visitation Guidelines

Medical staff smiling at a patient

Important Update – Temporary Visitor Restrictions Now in Effect

Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the increase in respiratory illnesses and flu cases in our community, we have implemented temporary visitor restrictions effective January 2, 2025, to protect our patients and staff.

Key Points:

  • Visitors under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit patients at this time
  • Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, or sore throat) may not visit patients
  • These restrictions apply to all patient care areas

We understand these restrictions may be challenging and thank you for your support in implementing these changes to protect our patients and caregivers.

Thank you for reviewing our visitation guidelines before your visit to one of our hospitals or physician offices. Please note visitation is subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are these visitor restrictions being implemented?

These restrictions have been implemented due to the increase in respiratory illnesses and flu cases in our community. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors by minimizing exposure to these illnesses within our facilities.

How long will these restrictions be in effect?

The restrictions are currently in place indefinitely. We are actively monitoring the health of our community and will update the visitation policies as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

Are these restrictions the same across all Covenant Health locations?

Yes, the visitor restrictions apply to all Covenant Health hospitals, physician offices, and patient care areas, including labor and delivery units.

Why are children under 12 not allowed to visit?

Children under 12 are more vulnerable to contracting and spreading respiratory illnesses. This precaution is intended to protect both our young visitors and our patients, who may have weakened immune systems or be at higher risk of complications.

Are virtual visits available?

Yes, in some cases, virtual visit options such as video calls may be available to help patients stay connected with their loved ones. Please speak with the care team to explore these options.

How will I know if visitation policies change?

We will post any updates to our visitation policies on this webpage and our social media platforms. Be sure to check these channels regularly for the latest information.

What should I do if I have questions about the visitation policy?

If you have any questions, please contact our call center at 865-374-0411. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist you.

 

Hospitals:

Updated July 1, 2024

Please read our visitation guidelines below.

Guideline Statements:

  1. Each patient or representative, where appropriate, has the right, subject to his or her consent, to receive visitors he or she designates, including, but not limited to, spouse, domestic partner (including same sex domestic partner), another family member, member of clergy, chaplain, minister, faith leader, or friend. The patient or representative has the right to withdraw or deny consent at any time.
  2. Each patient may have a family member, friend, or other individual present for emotional support during the course of the patient’s stay, unless the individual’s presence infringes on others’ rights, safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated. In addition, individuals with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by a support person in specific situations. The right to a support person is separate from the right to visitors.
  3. Visitation privileges are not restricted, limited, or otherwise denied based on race, color, ethnicity, culture, language, creed, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity/expression, or socioeconomic status.
  4. Exceptions to this guideline may occur based on a senior leadership decision or during a declared public health and civil preparedness emergency throughout the State or due to a natural disaster. During exceptions, visitation guidelines will follow state/federal regulatory guidelines and will be available for reference.

The following guidelines are applicable to all Covenant Health acute-care hospitals.

  1. Visitors may be in the patient’s room on the inpatient units of the hospital, according to patient preference.
  2. In specialty areas such as the Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit, Surgery Department and Obstetrics Unit, typically no more than two visitors may be allowed at a time, per patient, based on circumstances.
  3. Any visitor under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult (not the patient) who is responsible for the child’s supervision. Children under the age of twelve (12) years may not be left unattended at any time in patient rooms or anywhere on hospital property and may not stay overnight in patient rooms.
  4. Overnight stays by one family member or significant other may be permitted.
  5. For patients under the age of 18, one parent or adult should stay with pediatric patients.
  6. Visitors may be asked to refrain from visiting patients if they have a cold, cough, fever or other communicable illness. The facility reserves the right to restrict visitation at any time if the individual’s presence infringes on other’s rights, safety or is medical or therapeutically contraindicated.

Tennessee law requires that certain healthcare decision-makers for a patient be allowed to visit the patient. Specifically, an agent or attorney in fact designated to make health care decisions under a health care power of attorney for the patient has a right to in-person visitation with the patient at a hospital to evaluate the patient’s condition. Hospitals must allow the agent/attorney in fact at least one (1) in-person visit during regular visitation hours each day the patient is in the hospital. The hospital must make a reasonable effort to ensure each is at least one (1) hour.

a. The agent/attorney in fact must follow the hospital’s non-invasive health and safety protocols.

b. Except as provided in (c) – (e), the visitation right must not be suspended, waived, limited or terminated on the declaration of a disaster or emergency by the governor or other person acting on behalf of the State of Tennessee or a local governmental authority.

c. The patient may limit the visitation right by stating such limitation in the power of attorney or notifying the hospital verbally or in writing that the patient declines the visit.

d. This section does not apply to a patient who is being detained by or who is in the custody of a law enforcement, officer, correctional officer, or hospital security personnel.

e. Visitation may be limited while the patient is undergoing surgical or other invasive procedure.

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Please note, these visitation guidelines may be amended based on a senior leadership decision or during a declared public health and civil preparedness emergency throughout the State or due to a natural disaster. During exceptions, visitation guidelines will follow state or federal regulatory guidelines and will be available for reference.

As of May 9, 2022, patients and visitors to Covenant Health member hospitals are not required to wear a mask unless:

  • You currently have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 that are not caused by another known reason (examples: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, loss of taste or smell)
  • You currently have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19
  • Within the last 10 days, you have been exposed to anyone confirmed to have COVID-19

Patients and visitors who prefer to wear a mask may do so. Healthcare workers, including employees, physicians and volunteers, may not be required to wear a mask in their areas, but patients may kindly ask members of their care team to wear masks if the patient would like them to do so.

Protect Yourself and Help Us Protect Our Patients and Staff! If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, a runny nose or sore throat, please consider postponing your visit. If you have any of the symptoms listed or similar ones associated with illnesses like cold and flu, please wear a mask, remain in the room with the patient and limit travel within the hospital to the cafeteria and vending machine areas.

Health & Rehabilitation Centers:

Our health and rehabilitation centers currently allow visitation by families and friends of patients. We kindly ask that all visitors follow these guidelines in order to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19:

  • Perform frequent hand hygiene, including when entering and exiting the facility.
  • Contact the facility directly regarding current mask requirements and other visitation guidelines.
    • Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center: 423-526-2188
    • Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Transitional Care Unit: 865-331-1111

Medical Practices:

As of May 2, 2022, patients and visitors to Covenant Health outpatient care settings and physician offices will not be required to wear a mask unless:

  • You currently have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 that are not caused by another known reason (examples: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, loss of taste or smell)
  • You currently have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19
  • Within the last 10 days, you have been exposed to anyone confirmed to have COVID-19

Patients and visitors who prefer to wear a mask may do so. Healthcare workers, including employees, physicians and volunteers, may not be required to wear a mask in their areas, but patients may kindly ask members of their care team to wear masks if the patient would like them to do so.

Covenant Medical Group Offices:

You may have one support person with you during your appointment. If more than one support person is essential to your treatment or care, please contact your provider prior to your appointment to discuss necessity.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Offices:

You may have one adult support person 18 years or older with you during your appointment.