Current Visitor Policies at Vanderbilt Hospitals and Clinics

• 2 visitors may be in a patient's room, including the Intensive Care Units, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Except in the Emergency and Trauma department, 1 of the 2 visitors may be age 12 to 17 if accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older). Children under 12 are not allowed in the hospital, including waiting areas.
• 1 adult visitor (age 18 or older) may be in the patient's room after 9 p.m. and overnight.
• Up to 4 adults may visit if the care team has determined the patient is nearing the end of their life.
• Visitors may swap off with each other. To prevent overcrowding in waiting areas, "visitor exchange" must occur outside the hospital.
• 1 adult visitor (age 18 or older) may be in a COVID-19 patient room between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors must wear appropriate PPE for the duration of their visit.

Emergency Department

• While a patient is in the Emergency Department (ED) waiting room or being evaluated by a triage nurse, 1 visitor is allowed. This visitor may not swap out with another.
• 2 visitors per patient may wait in the main Vanderbilt University Hospital waiting room. Staff at the ED entrance will provide directions.
• A patient assigned to a private room in the ED may have 2 visitors. A patient in a hallway treatment area may have 1 visitor. These visitors may swap out; 1 visitor should exit before the other enters the ED.
• No visitors are allowed in the treatment rooms with more than 1 patient, but 1 visitor per patient may wait in the ED waiting room.
• If a patient has or is suspected of having COVID, only 1 visitor is allowed after they've been put into a private room. This visitor can't swap out with someone else. They must wear a mask at all times and must leave if they don't.
• Visitors under age 16 are not allowed in the ED (differs from hospital inpatient policy).
• Medical and security team members may limit or revoke visitation when needed to optimize care and/or safety of everyone in the ED.

• All visitors must sign in at the receptionist desk in the lobby.
• 2 visitors age 12 and older may see the patient at a time on the inpatient units.
• 1 visitor age 12 and older may be with the patient in Psychiatric Assessment Services
• All personal items, including cell phones, should be either left in the car or locked in the visitor lockers in the lobby.
• Anything you plan to give to your loved one must first be checked by staff.
• You may bring certain items including pillows, blankets, and 3 changes of clothing.

You may NOT bring any of the following items:

• Tobacco products, lighters or matches
• Alcohol or drugs
• Medicines (over the counter as well as prescription)
• Cell phones, computers, tablets, iPods, or other electronics
• Any items with glass (except eyeglasses)
• Anything that could be used as a weapon

Visiting hours

• Adult patients: Monday through Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Children and adolescents: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 7 days a week.
• Accommodations may be made with the treatment team as needed and appropriate.

Main hospital

• 2 visitors may be in a patient’s room
• 1 of 2 visitors may be age 12 to 17 if accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older)
• 1 adult visitor (age 18 or older) may be in the patient’s room after 9 p.m. and overnight, except in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Patients with COVID may have 1 visitor from 7 a.m.to 9 p.m.  Visitors must wear appropriate PPE for the duration of their visit. Visitors may swap out. One visitor should leave before the other enters the facility.
• In a semi-private room, visitation may be limited to 1 visitor in 30-minute increments. No more than 2 visitors may be in a patient room at one time. Overnight visitors are not permitted for patients in semi-private rooms.
• Visitors may swap out. To prevent overcrowding in waiting areas, one visitor should leave before the other enters the facility.
• All Inpatient Services visitors should enter through the North Tower Entrance, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or the Main Entrance, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays).
• Women’s Services visitors may enter through the Women’s Pavilion Entrance, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Emergency department

• 2 visitors are permitted for a patient assigned to a private room in the ED 
• 1 visitor is permitted for a patient in an alternative treatment area

Surgery 

1 visitor per patient age 18 or older

Outpatient services and clinics

1 visitor per patient

McFarland campus

Inpatient rehabilitation

• 2 visitors may be in a patient’s room
• 1 of 2 visitors may be age 12 to 17 if accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older)
• Visiting hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Inpatient psychiatric

• 2 visitors (18 and older) may see the patient at a time on the inpatient unit
• Visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Additional hours can be arranged as needed with physician and treatment team approval
• Visitors' personal items must be secured in personal vehicle, including coats
• Anything brought for the patient cannot be provided to patient without staff check for safety

All visitors must remain with the patient at all times and follow guidance of a staff member or doctor.

Surgery

1 visitor can be with the patient

Inpatient services (medical/surgical floors and ICU)

• 1 visitor may be in a patient's room
• Patients who are COVID positive or awaiting COVID test results may have 1 visitor outside of the room from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Emergency services

• 1 visitor per patient age 18 and older
• 2 parents/guardians with patients age 17 and younger
• No visitors with adult patients who are COVID positive or awaiting COVID test results.

Outpatient services and clinics

1 visitor per patient of all ages.

• 2 visitors allowed in a patient's room, including in the Critical Care Unit, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  
• 1 visitor permitted in the patient's room overnight, after 9 p.m.
• Up to 4 visitors allowed in the patient's room at end of life.
• Only 1 visitor per patient allowed in the Emergency Department or outpatient clinics.
• Birthing mothers may have 1 support person, who can remain overnight, and 1 visitor.
• No visitors are allowed with patients who have COVID-19.

Patients may have 1 visitor with no age restrictions.

Because of the spread of infectious illness, including COVID, flu and RSV, we limit visitors in our clinics and outpatient centers to allow people to stay at a safe distance.