Section 481.63.41. Communications.

Each resident may communicate, associate, and meet privately with persons of the resident’s choice, unless to do so would infringe upon the rights of other residents, and may send and receive personal mail unopened. (II)

         63.41(1) Subject to reasonable scheduling restrictions, visiting policies and procedures shall permit residents to receive visits from anyone they wish. Visiting hours shall be posted. (II)

         63.41(2) Reasonable, regular visiting hours shall not be less than 12 hours per day and shall take into consideration the special circumstances of each visitor. A particular visitor(s) may be restricted by the facility for one of the following reasons:

            a.               The resident refuses to see the visitor. (II)

            b.               The resident’s physician documents specific reasons why such a visit would be harmful to the resident’s health. (II)

            c.               The visitor’s behavior is unreasonably disruptive to the functioning of the facility (this judgment must be made by the administrator and the reasons shall be documented and kept on file). (II)

         63.41(3) Decisions to restrict a visitor are reviewed and reevaluated: each time the medical orders are reviewed by the physician; at least quarterly by the facility’s staff; or at the resident’s request. (II)

         63.41(4) Space shall be provided for residents to receive visitors in reasonable comfort and privacy. (II)

         63.41(5) Telephones consistent with ANSI standards (405.1134(c)) shall be available and accessible for residents to make and receive calls with privacy. Residents who need help shall be assisted in using the telephone. (II)

         63.41(6) Arrangements shall be made to provide assistance to residents who require help in reading or sending mail. (II)

         63.41(7) Residents shall be permitted to leave the facility and environs at reasonable times unless there are justifiable reasons established in writing by the attending physician, qualified intellectual disabilities professional or facility administrator for refusing permission. (II)

         63.41(8) Residents shall not have their personal lives regulated beyond reasonable adherence to meal schedules, bedtime hours, and other written policies which may be necessary for the orderly management of the facility and as required by these rules. However, residents shall be encouraged to participate in recreational programs. (II)

[ARC 0765C, IAB 5/29/13, effective 7/3/13]