Visitor Guidelines

Community’s highest priority remains delivering quality care in the safest possible environment. Our visitation policies reflect the best evidence-based information available, and we’re confident in our safety protocols and our ability to keep patients, visitors and caregivers safe.

Effective December 21, 2023

Flu Restrictions - Hospitals / Inpatient

Starting December 21, 2023, the following seasonal flu visitor restrictions apply to inpatient care at ALL Community Health Network hospitals: Community Hospitals Anderson, East, North and South, Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, and Community Howard Regional Health. Read the press release.

NOTE: There may be additional restrictions for specialty areas inside hospitals, including Maternity, NICU (RSV restrictions already in place), ICU, COVID+ patients, end of life, and Behavioral Health. Please see below or check with unit managers or your provider for details.

  • No visitors with flu-like illness, fever or cough.
  • No visitors under age 18.
  • Visitors limited to patient's immediate family, as identified by patient. 
  • No more than two visitors at a time per patient.
  • Visitors must wear a mask in patient room when requested.
  • Please cover your cough and wash hands/sanitize often.
  • General visitation hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Flu restrictions do not apply in ambulatory settings (e.g., doctor offices), but patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms may be asked to mask for the safety of other patients and caregivers.


Masks are no longer required for entry to hospitals, provider offices, outpatient surgery centers, and other ambulatory facilities. Visitation guidelines may still vary by department/units inside hospitals, including Maternity, NICU, ICU and behavioral health.

Hospital Visitor Self-Screening

Visitors should not visit if they are ill, and should not enter/visit if they have experienced any of the following signs or symptoms in the last 10 – 14 days: Sore throat, congestion or runny nose, cough, fever (100.4°F/38°C) or chills, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell, rash.

Hospitals - General Visiting Guidelines

  • Hospital visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
    • Visiting hours may vary on specific units; please contact unit managers for questions.
  • Community Health Network registers all visitors to acute care areas. Please be prepared to show photo ID at the registration desk when you arrive.
  • Two visitors at a time. 
  • Overnight visitors:
    • One overnight visitor (18 or older) is permitted.
    • Overnight visitors are not permitted in the ICUs at Community Hospital Anderson, Community Howard and Community Hospital South.
  • If the patient you are visiting is in isolation, you will be asked to observe our PPE requirements for that type of isolation before entering the room.

Maternity Hospital Units

  • No visitors under age 18 during flu restrictions.
  • One authorized visitor/primary support person is permitted to visit/stay 24/7.
  • Patients may have no more than four (4) visitors at a time at bedside. The one primary support person and siblings of the newborn are considered visitors.
  • Visitors may switch out during visitation hours.
  • Visitors must use hand sanitizer upon entry.
  • In addition, a doula is permitted for labor and post-partum, and should be screened, follow posted guidelines, and properly credentialed upon arrival to the facility.
  • More about pregnancy and delivery during COVID-19.

NICU Hospital Units

October 16, 2023 - RSV restrictions have been implemented

Due to the recent increase in RSV cases, sibling visitation will be suspended in the NICU effective October 16, 2023. No person under the age of 18 who is not a parent will be permitted to enter the NICU.  This visitation restriction will continue to be in effect until RSV cases in central Indiana decrease significantly. Thank you for helping us keep our NICU patients safe.

  • NICU department visitation varies by hospital and considerations unique to the hospital departments may necessitate additional guidelines which will be shared with NICU families when an infant is admitted to the unit.
  • Patients may have no more than two (2) visitors at a time at bedside. Siblings are considered visitors. 
  • Siblings 2 and older are permitted to visit and may be subject to a simple health screen upon entry to the NICU.
  • Open visitation hours 24/7.
  • Visitors must wash hands upon entry to the department.
  • Visitors are not permitted to eat or drink in a patient's room.
  • More about pregnancy and delivery during COVID-19.

Emergency Departments

  • Two (2) visitors at a time unless clinical needs require additional restriction.
  • Minors must be accompanied by one (1) over 18 adult/parent/guardian.
  • Patients will either be discharged following evaluation and treatment, or admitted, at which time the appropriate inpatient visitor policy applies.
  • If the patient you are visiting is in isolation, you will be asked to observe our PPE requirements for that type of isolation before entering the room.

Surgery (Inpatient/Outpatient/Surgery Center)

  • Surgical procedures: Two (2) visitors/patient escorts may accompany a patient and wait in the designated (pre op/post op room, lobby) area while the patient is in the operating/procedural area.

Ambulatory Visits (Hospital and Off-Site)

This includes provider offices, MedCheck locations and other non-hospital care sites.

  • Two (2) adult visitors, plus children, are allowed.
    • Minors must be accompanied by one (1) over 18 adult/parent/guardian.
  • Fertility: A patient and two (2) partners/support persons may attend the new patient or new consult appointment.
  • OB Ultrasounds: A patient and two (2) partners/support persons may attend the entire OB ultrasound as well as the OB visit following the ultrasound.

Community MD Anderson Cancer Centers

  • Two adult visitors plus children age 12 or older are allowed.