Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 481 - Inspections and Appeals Department
Inspections Division
Chapter 58 - Nursing Facilities
Rule 481-58.47 - Communications

(1) Residents shall be permitted to receive visitors in accordance with 42 CFR 483.10(f)(4) and the federal interpretive guidelines. A particular visitor may be restricted by the facility if the visitor's behavior is unreasonably disruptive to the functioning of the facility (this judgment must be made by the administrator and the reasons shall be documented and kept on file). (II)

(2) Decisions to restrict a visitor are reviewed and reevaluated: each time the medical orders are reviewed by the physician, at least quarterly by the facility's staff, or at the resident's request. (II)

(3) Space shall be provided for residents to receive visitors in reasonable comfort and privacy. (II)

(4) Telephones shall be available and accessible for residents to make and receive calls with privacy in accordance with 42 CFR 483.10(g)(6) and (7). Residents who need help shall be assisted in using the telephone. (II)

(5) Arrangements shall be made to provide assistance to residents who require help in reading or sending mail. (II)

(6) Residents shall be permitted to leave the facility and environs at reasonable times unless there are justifiable reasons established in writing by the attending physician, qualified intellectual disabilities professional or facility administrator for refusing permission. (II)

(7) Residents shall not have their personal lives regulated beyond reasonable adherence to meal schedules, bedtime hours, and other written policies which may be necessary for the orderly management of the facility and as required by these rules. However, residents shall be encouraged to participate in recreational programs. (II)