The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (“HHSC”) announced on August 6th that limited visitation would be allowed at certain nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout the state. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities must submit a form to their LTCR Regional Director to be permitted to allow limited visitation. Permitted nursing facilities may allow outdoor visits, window visits, vehicle parades, and compassionate care visits. Permitted long-term care facilities may also allow plexiglass indoor visits, provided that their visitation booth is approved by HHSC. Conditions for approval are listed in the HHSC LTCR Provider Letter.

In addition to allowing limited visitation, HHSC also announced additional emergency rule enhancements requiring nursing homes and long-term care facilities to cohort residents, screen individuals at entrance into the facility, and plan for maintaining a two-week supply of personal protective equipment. The full list of emergency rules for providers is posted on the HHSC COVID-19 Provider web page.

For additional information, please feel free to contact the Husch Blackwell post-acute care team.