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For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Hospital Visitor Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

June 2020 | Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

UPDATED JUNE 2020: On June 9, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it had reached a resolution The preceding link opens in a new tab or window. on the first federal complaints regarding "no visitor" policies at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and outpatient surgical facilities. According to the Center for Public Representation The preceding link opens in a new tab or window. (CPR), the resolution makes it clear that "federal law requires hospitals and the state agencies overseeing them to modify policies to ensure patients with disabilities can safely access the in-person supports needed to benefit from medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic."

More information and resources can be found in the Hospital Visitor Policies section on the CPR's website The preceding link opens in a new tab or window.. A Down Syndrome and COVID-19 resource The preceding link opens in a new tab or window. developed by a consortium of Down syndrome organizations summarizes the policies on page 18 and shares recommendations for who to contact if you or a loved one experiences discriminatory care. A video The preceding link opens in a new tab or window. was created by the Green Mountain Self-Advocates and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network to help self-advocates understand the resolution. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health has also issued a statement The preceding link opens in a new tab or window. that health care facilities (including hospitals) should allow patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to be accompanied by a support person determined to be essential to their care. 

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Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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