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Updated May 11, 2023

Current Level: Green (Visitation Permitted)

At University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), we know that patients need the important people in their lives to help them in their healing journey.

In order to maintain a safe and healing environment, we have developed a visitor policy that outlines what's expected of patients, visitors and team members when care partners are present.

Family members are welcome 24 hours a day.

A designated support person (must be 18 or older) may stay overnight. In semi-private rooms this is contingent on care needs and wishes of other patient in the room.

Visitation Rules

To ensure a safe and respectful environment for patients, visitors and staff, we ask that you follow these visitation rules.

Visitor Registration

  • All hospital visitors are required to stop at the visitor registration desk and register with a valid driver's license or other identification and have a photo ID taken. This information is used for the sole purpose of identification within the confines of the UM Upper Chesapeake Health system. Please wear appropriate visitor identification at all times.

Masking

  • See masking guidelines for patients, visitors and team members to learn when and where masks are required in UMMS facilities.

Behavior and Safety Expectations

  • No disruptive, threatening or violent behavior, including the use of obscene language or gestures, will be tolerated. No weapons of any type are permitted.
  • In order to create a healing environment, visitors must show respectful and quiet conduct towards all patients, other visitors and staff at all times.

Patient Privacy Policy

  • Federal law requires that hospitals comply with strict laws to protect patients' privacy. Staff will provide condition updates to a designated spokesperson or upon patient request.
  • Taking photos or videos in common areas of the hospital is not permitted. In a patient room, you may not photograph, videotape or record audio unless you have the permission of anyone being recorded. This includes physicians, nurses, staff or other patients.

No Smoking

  • No smoking or vaping is allowed in any indoor or outdoor space on our campus.
  • Visitors may not give patients cigarettes, or any nicotine-related items, medications or drugs not prescribed by the patient's physician.

Who May Visit or Accompany Patients

  • Care Partners (Visitors) are the friends and family who the patient has a significant relationship with and who provide support during the patients' stay. Care partners are chosen by the patient or, in the case of children (or others for whom another person has been empowered to makes decisions), by their parents, guardians or appointed decision maker.
  • Designated Support Persons are a type of care partner who the patient specifically chooses to be physically present at the hospital to support the patient. This person may be a friend, family member, personal care assistant or disability service provider and may or may not be legally authorized to make decisions for the patient. The patient may change the designated support person throughout their stay.
    • Communication with Designated Support Persons: If a patient with disabilities does not have a designated support person present at the hospital, staff will attempt to communicate relevant information with a patient's designated representative, in alignment with patient privacy requirements. Effort shall be made to communicate in advance of admission, if possible. The hospital shall inform the patient and any designated support persons, or care partners, of this policy.

Where to Enter

Care Partners (visitors) should use the main lobby to enter between the hours of 5am and 8pm. At UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Aberdeen (UM UCMC Aberdeen), visitors should use the main entrance. At UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air (UM UCMC Bel Air), visitors should enter at the main entrance or, if appropriate, the Family Birthplace entrance, which is only for visitors to this unit. After these hours, visitors will enter through the Emergency Department entrance at both sites. 

See campus maps for details:

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