Rhode Island Nursing Home Visitation Policies Updated

PROVIDENCE, RI — Following complaints that in-person visitation was not possible at all Rhode Island nursing homes and assisted living facilities under the current coronavirus safety guidelines, the Rhode Island Department of Health released new guidelines last week to make visitation more accessible, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday.

"There is no substitute for that in-person visit," Raimondo said, adding that the state has invested $75,000 for iPads and other electronics for video calls.

Under the previous regulations, nursing homes would close to visitors if any COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the facility. Now, new policies have been developed that make in-person visitation possible even if cases are identified.

"A single positive case is no longer a reason to halt visitation at nursing homes and assisted living facilities," Raimondo said, explaining that all facilities must do everything they can to keep daily visitation possible, while keep patients and workers safe.