Care Partner and Visitor Policy

Masks Strongly Recommended but Not Required in Maryland, Starting Immediately

Due to the downward trend in respiratory viruses in Maryland, masking is no longer required but remains strongly recommended in Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland.

Guidelines for Visiting a Patient

(Effective May 11, 2023) Care partners and visitors are a vital part of a patient’s treatment and care. Please use the links below to learn guidelines for accompanying and visiting patients at Johns Hopkins Medicine, based on care they are receiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a care partner and a visitor?

care partner is any adult the patient/parent or legal guardian wishes to have at the patient’s side. The care partner may provide support and/or can be included in the patient’s care decisions, but may not override the legally authorized health care decision-maker (LAHD). Care partners and parents/legal guardians are welcome 24/7. One care partner can stay overnight with the patient (up to two care partners for pediatric patients or patients with a disability).

A visitor is anyone the patient/LAHD or parent/guardian chooses to have visit the patient. An adult patient, or parent/guardian of a pediatric patient, can identify anyone they desire as a visitor. Visitors are welcome during visiting hours, which may vary per entity and location.

What are general guidelines for all visits?

All care partners and visitors are required to check in upon entering a Johns Hopkins facility. 

Space constraints may limit the number of care partners and visitors who may be present at one time.

Visitors may be restricted for other reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Situations in which visitation could jeopardize the health and well-being of the patient, care partner, visitor or Johns Hopkins Medicine employee(s)
  • Minimizing the risk of infection
  • Achieving patient goals of care
  • By court order, or the patient is in the care and custody of law enforcement 

Which JHM member organizations are included in the policy?

The Visitor and Care Partner Visiting Policy addresses visitation in the hospitals, emergency departments and outpatient areas (e.g., ambulatory practice sites, surgery centers, medical practice sites) at the following JHM locations:

  • The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation
  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
  • Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
  • Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
  • Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital

  • Suburban Hospital
  • Johns Hopkins Community Physicians
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine International
  • Johns Hopkins Regional Physicians
  • Johns Hopkins Surgery Centers Series
  • Johns Hopkins Imaging
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Guidelines to Visit Adult Patients

Before your visit, please review our FAQs for general guidelines for care partners and visitors.

Guidelines to Visit Pediatric Patients

Before your visit, please review our FAQs for general guidelines for care partners and visitors.

Guidelines for Outpatient Areas and Clinics

Before your visit, please review our FAQs for general guidelines for care partners and visitors.

  • Up to two care partners or visitors (including siblings/minors) are welcome to accompany patients to appointments, space permitting.
  • Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
  • Radiology imaging, operating rooms, procedural areas: For safety reasons, care partners or visitors may not be permitted in exam/procedure rooms.