HCGH is a patient and family-centered facility and we recognize the important role family and friends play in the healing process. We try to make our visiting hours as flexible and patient-directed as possible.
There are some areas where patient request, clinical needs or unit logistics require visitation restrictions. Speak to your nurse about any limitations that might exist in your area. General visitation hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (must arrive by 7 p.m.), and we request you abide by our quiet hour guidelines from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
With the your consent, a family member, friend or other individual – who may or may not be your surrogate decision maker – may be with you throughout your stay, as long as it does not conflict with a medical or safety issues. You may also refuse visitors at any time.
All visitors must receive a visitor’s pass from the Information Desk in the hospital lobby and must wear the badge while in the hospital. Visitors who are ill should not visit patients. If a visitor displays unsafe, threatening or aggressive behavior, security measures will be taken to protect our patients and staff.
It is the policy of Howard County General Hospital to prohibit visitation discrimination based on age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disabilities. This non-discrimination policy applies to all facilities and programs of the hospital.
General Visiting Hours
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (must arrive by 7 p.m.)
Rules for Specific Units
Some areas have more restrictive visitation guidelines based on the nature of the clinical care they deliver:
Emergency Room
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
- Provided there is enough space for physical distancing, one care partner may be with the patient.
- When the waiting room is closed to care partners due to lack of space, the care partner will be contacted once the patient is in a private space.
- One care partner may be at the bedside in private spaces. Must be the same care partner throughout the Emergency Department stay.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
Labor and Delivery
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
- One care partner at the bedside at a time will be permitted for labor, delivery, and duration of birth parent’s hospital stay.
- Children under 15 years old may visit if accompanied by an adult care partner. Maximum of one child visitor at the bedside at a time. Individuals ages 15–17 may visit independently during visiting hours.
- Up to four care partners may rotate during visiting hours. To prevent overcrowding in waiting areas, “care partner exchange” must occur outside the hospital or in lobby areas.
- One certified or registered doula is permitted for labor and non-surgical delivery.
- One care partner OR one certified or registered doula is allowed in the operating room during surgical delivery.
Maternal Child Unit
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
Pediatrics
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
Psychiatry (1 North)
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits
- One care partner may be permitted at the discretion of the clinical team.
- There is a limit of one care partner per person, per visit. It does not have to be the same care partner for the duration of the admission.
- Time and duration of visit will be determined by clinical team.
- Please collaborate with your care team to coordinate visits.
Surgery (Periop)
Updated 5/24/22 - Visitor level yellow: Some limits to visits