Policy for All Care Site Locations

Regardless of care site location, all visitors must adhere to the following:

  • Exhibit no COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Minimum Age: 12 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult (for pediatrics that adult must be a parent or caregiver) at all times
  • Virtual visits are available for adult and adolescent patients at the patient's request.
  • For end-of-life patients, two visitors are permitted at the bedside at the same time without time restriction.

Updated Mask Policy

Hospitalized Patients

Visitation Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Daily

  • Patients may have two visitors at a time (ages 12+) during visitation hours. Minors must be accompanied by an adult (for pediatrics that adult must be a parent or caregiver) at all times.
  • Exceptions can be made for end-of-life situations* and visits from the clergy.
  • Pediatric patients may have two parents/guardians or substitute caregivers at bedside 24/7.
  • When a patient is being discharged from the hospital outside of visiting hours, their designated driver/support person is allowed hospital access to pick them up to receive discharge instructions and medication training.
  • Overnight Visitation: Allowed for all patients in a private room; one person for adult patients and two parents/guardians for minors (team members may use discretion if an additional care provider is necessary for the visit)

Emergency Room (ER)

  • Patients may have two unique visitors per ER visit, in addition to a Designated Support Person (DSP), if applicable.
  • For pediatric patients, only two parents/guardians or substitute caregivers may visit. 

Outpatient and Ambulatory Sites

Two accompanying companions (age 16+). 

Behavioral Health Inpatient

Visiting hours are 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. daily. One person per patient.

Women's Health

Labor and Delivery Visitation

  • Two visitors and one professional doula are allowed 24/7 during the labor and delivery experience (cannot switch individuals)

Postpartum and High Risk Perinatal (HRP) Visitation

  • One companion continues to be allowed 24/7
  • Postpartum units will be open to two additional visitors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Antenatal Testing Center (ATC) Visitation

  • One companion (age 16+) is allowed in the exam area with the patient

Definition of Designated Support Person (DSP)

If a patient has a documented diagnosis of a pre-existing disability requiring ongoing support in the community, he or she may request continued support and assistance from their Designated Support Person (DSP). The DSP must be over the age of 18 and be knowledgeable about the patient’s specific needs related to the disability. A DSP may be allowed to stay with the patient in designated areas 24/7, and is requested to enter/leave the building between the hours of 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Up to two persons may share DSP duties; however only one person is allowed per day.

A person with a pre-existing disability who utilizes ongoing support from an individual in the community may bring a DSP to all Inova locations and treatment centers.

Definition of a Visitor

Anyone the patient determines significant to their well-being and whose presence would enhance their return to health.

Definition of a Companion

A companion is defined as someone the patient has chosen to remain with them who is not subject to visiting hour restrictions. This also applies to those accompanying patients undergoing diagnostic studies, procedures, or surgery.