Hospital Policies and Procedures

We know that information about you, your health and your family is personal and sensitive in nature. At Children's Hospital Colorado, we’re committed to protecting the privacy of this information, as well as protecting the rights of our patients and their families. Below, we've outlined the hospital policies and procedures all Children's Colorado locations follow to help us provide the best care possible.

Visitor policies

We understand that visitors play a vital role in the medical care process. That's why we welcome and encourage their visits.

All individuals visiting any inpatient area, emergency department, urgent care or outpatient clinic will need to provide identification at the appropriate check-in desk and complete a security and health screening. Our team members will issue a visitor's badge and provide navigation information for all visitors upon arrival. 

Zero-tolerance policy  

Children’s Hospital Colorado has a zero-tolerance policy for the following at any of our locations:  

• Tampering with medical equipment  
• Disruptive behavior or violent actions, including yelling, swearing, threats and physical attacks  
• Insults or slurs related to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law or regulation
• Taking photos, recordings or videos of staff, equipment or other patient-families
• Using or having illegal drugs, alcohol, recreational marijuana or tobacco  
• Possession of weapons, regardless of local concealed carry laws. Read our frequently asked questions about the Evolv Weapons Detection System.
• Activities that are inappropriately sexual in nature

Patients, family members and visitors who violate these or other safety concerns may be asked to leave the unit or hospital. Security will be called, and we may need to restrict your child’s visitors.  

Updated COVID-19 guidelines and health screenings 

As of April 3, 2023, masks are optional for well patients, families and eligible visitors who are not showing signs and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough and runny nose, and have not recently been exposed to COVID-19. We welcome individuals to continue masking at our facilities. Those who have symptoms of illness or recent exposures are required to wear a hospital-issued mask, unless the individual is wearing a well-fitting medical grade procedure mask or respirator. Cloth masks and those with an exhalation valve are not allowed.

Health screenings required

Health screenings remain in effect and are used to determine visitor eligibility. Visitors need to be healthy and pass the Children’s Colorado health screening to visit. If you are sick, experiencing cold or flu symptoms or were recently exposed to COVID-19, additional policies may apply based on the type of visit and your relationship to the patient.  

For example:

• Patients and visitors with symptoms of illness are required to wear a provided medical mask.
• Visitors who are sick or exhibiting certain symptoms may be asked to leave until they have recovered. Note: Some exceptions may apply for primary caregivers.
• Our team members are here to help and will provide guidance based on your personal situation at screening.
• Please be kind and considerate toward fellow visitors and our team members as we work to keep the hospital safe. We appreciate your cooperation in fostering a caring community for all. 

According to Children’s Colorado’s seasonal policy, additional restrictions may be required during the cold and flu season. Our policy is subject to change at any time. Please check our website for the latest requirements prior to your appointment.

COVID-19 testing

As of April 3, 2023, we no longer require COVID-19 testing prior to admission to the hospital or before certain medical and surgical procedures if a patient does not have symptoms. We will continue to provide COVID-19 testing to patients who are exhibiting symptoms and are being admitted to the hospital.

Faith community, clergy or religious leader visits

We encourage faith leaders to connect with patients and families in the hospital via phone or video call. To learn about our visitor policy and determine if an in-person visit is appropriate, please contact our Spiritual Care team in advance. We look forward to connecting with you.

• To request a visit at Anschutz Medical Campus or other Denver Metro Area locations, please call 720-777-6325 or email SpiritualCare@childrenscolorado.org.
• To request a visit in Colorado Springs or Southern Colorado, please call 719-305-6325.

Visitors must adhere to behavior standards to create a safe environment for patients and team members. The number of visitors and other guidelines are as follows.

Exceptions for all visits

Any patient or visitor with disabilities (defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment) who requires help with the provision of medical or behavioral health care, activities of daily living, speaking for the patient or keeping the patient safe, may have a designated assistance person.

Patient visitor reminders

• All patients and visitors are screened for illness and exposure to illnesses during their visit. Those who have symptoms of illness or recent exposures are required to wear a hospital-issued mask, unless the individual is wearing a well-fitting medical grade procedure mask or respirator. Cloth masks and those with an exhalation valve are not allowed. In some cases, visitors with symptoms of illness or exposures may be asked to leave.
• Please do not visit if you are sick and/or have cold- or flu-like symptoms.
• Please alert our team members if you’ve had a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the last 10 days, or if you’ve been recently exposed to the virus.
• We will check each patient’s caregiver list and provide an ID sticker. Please make sure you and your visitors are carrying your personal IDs when visiting our campus.
• The information desk staff are here to help guide you to where you need to go.
• Do not leave children alone outside or in public areas of the hospital.

Sending love when you can't visit

If you're unable to visit due to our visitation rules, here are other ways to show love and concern for a patient in our hospitals:

• Call your loved one using the hospital main line: 720-777-1234.
• Use one of our free iPads to keep in touch.
• Send a free cheer card to the patient's room (available on the Anschutz Medical Campus only).
• Send an email or greeting card.
• Send balloons (mylar only) or other gifts from our gift shops.

HIPAA and protecting patient privacy

Each time you or your family visit Children's Colorado, we create a record of the care and services you receive. We need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements.

Children's Colorado is committed to ensuring that your medical information is private and secure. We protect medical information as required by state laws and the federal rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Notice of privacy practices

Children's Colorado Notice of Privacy Practices applies to all of the records of your care generated by any of Children's Colorado's facilities. This notice, which also applies to University of Colorado School of Medicine physicians, provides information about the ways we may use and share your health information. We also describe your rights and certain obligations we have regarding the use and sharing of health information.

• Notice of Privacy Practices English (.pdf)
• Notice of Privacy Practices Spanish (.pdf)

Last updated Apr. 2021