(Kaiser Health News) States across the country are beginning to roll back heart-wrenching policies instituted when the coronavirus pandemic began and allow in-person visits at nursing homes and assisted living centers, offering relief to frustrated families. As of July 7, 26 states and the District of Columbia had given the go-ahead to nursing home visits under these circumstances, according to LeadingAge, an association of long-term care providers. Two weeks earlier, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services clarified federal guidance on reopening nursing homes to visitors. On June 19, the state's health commissioner announced that all long-term care facilities could accept visitors outdoors — just in time for Father's Day. As it stands, facility administrators retain considerable discretion over when and whether to offer visits because states are issuing recommendations only.

Source: CNN July 13, 2020 08:29 UTC