Important Health Information:  In-person visitations has resumed for all patients.

DSH – Patton: General Guidelines for In-Person Visits

Patton Resuming Visits Letter to Families - English
Patton Resuming Visits Letter to Families - Spanish

The Department of State Hospitals – Patton has expanded in-person visitation. Tele-visits will also remain available at this time. All in-person visits will take place in our Secure Treatment Area (STA) Visiting Center. Visitation protocols were developed DSH-wide based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health. All visits must be scheduled in advance via the DSH-Patton webpage under ‘Visitor Information’. The attached protocol provides details on visitation procedures and scheduling. For more information or to schedule a visit, please visit the DSH-Patton visitation page: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Patton/Visitor_Information.html.

Please read this entire page BEFORE visiting. Failing to do so may result in delays or cancelled visits.

Visiting applications are valid for one year. Prior to an in-person visit, all visitors must re- apply using the attached link Visitor Request and Authorization Form.

• All visitors will be screened for COVID-19 signs and symptoms and close contact with individuals with COVID-19 in the prior 14 days before entering the Visiting Center.
• Visitors will have their temperature taken.
• Visitors who are screened out will be asked to leave the hospital immediately and reschedule the in person visit.
• All visitors are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen collected within 72 hours of the visit) at the time of the scheduled visitation to be allowed to participate in an in-person visit. Hospitals reserve the right to deny visitation based on infection prevention measures not included in these guidelines.
• CDPH Guidance for Vaccine Records Guidelines & Standards states that only the following modes may be used as proof of vaccination:
  1. COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered); OR
  2. a photo of a Vaccination Record Card as a separate document; OR
  3. a photo of the client's Vaccination Record Card stored on a phone or electronic device; OR
  4. documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider; OR
  5. digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. The QR code must also confirm the vaccine record as an official record of the state of California, OR
  6. documentation of vaccination from other contracted employers who follow these vaccination records guidelines and standards. In the absence of knowledge to the contrary, a facility may accept the documentation presented as valid.


• Antigen Testing of visitors age 4 or older will be offered at the time of the visit for in-person visitation if negative PCR, negative antigen test results or if proof of vaccination is not provided. Visitors without proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will not be allowed to visit.
• We strongly encourage all visitors to be vaccinated, but we do not provide vaccine for visitors.
• All visitors attending the visit must be preapproved and listed on the scheduled visit registration form.
• Approval is expected to take 1 – 2 weeks, based on the number of registration forms received.
• Once you are approved you will be notified of your approval and instructed to register for your visit via: Visit Request and Scheduling
• We ask that all visitors arrive 30 minutes prior to their visit to ensure the screening process is complete and to ensure a timely visit.
• All visitors and patients will be required to wear a mask during the entire visit, except for visitors 2 years old and younger.
• Visitors may now visit both, vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.
• To ensure fairness the patients will be allowed two (2) visits per week. This can be in any combination.
• All visitors will be processed for the detection of contraband upon entering and departing the Visitor Center.
• If the visitor refuses the search, the visit may be denied and the visitor will be ordered to leave the hospital grounds.
• All items brought into the Visiting Center are subject to a thorough visual search by the CDCR/HPD Officers.
• Personal items and purses cannot be carried into a visit. There are a limited number of lockers available.
• Visitors are subject to random searches and/or searches where officers suspect someone may have contraband.

• Contraband and Allowed Items for Patients
• Contraband and Allowed Items while Visiting
• No Contact Visits
• Patient Trust Office
• Proper Attire
• Visiting with Children
• Visitor Center Regular Hours
• Visitor Center Holiday Schedule
• Visitor Process Requirements

Contraband and Allowed Items for Patients

Any item that constitutes a safety or security concern can be denied or confiscated. The list identifies items that are not allowed, the reason why they are not allowed. It also lists items that can be allowed under limited conditions and what those conditions are.

This is especially important as it is now a misdemeanor crime (Welfare and Institutions code 4139) to deliver to a patient in a State Hospital any of the following items:

• A cellular telephone or other wireless communication device, or any component thereof, including, but not limited to, a subscriber identity card (SIM card) or memory storage device.
• Tobacco products.

ALLOWABLE PROPERTY/CONTRABAND LIST

Before you bring any items to a patient, make sure to review the list above and make sure you are not violating hospital policy. Any visitor found bringing contraband into the facility may have their authorization to visit withdrawn for a minimum of 30 days.

Contraband Items

Visitors are not allowed to bring any of the following into the Visitor Center:

• food items
• alcoholic beverages
• drugs
• cigarettes or tobacco products
• poisons
• glue
• firearms or any weapons
• cameras or recording devices
• pets
• radios or televisions
• musical instruments
• diaper bags or strollers
• pens or pencils
• papers, books, written material, photos
• legal documents

Contraband and Allowed Items while Visiting

When visitors have children with them, they are permitted to the take the following items into the visiting room:

• one (1) baby carrier/car seat
• one (1) baby blanket
• three (3) diapers
• three (3) clear plastic bottles
• one (1) container of baby wipes
• one (1) toy (noiseless and non-stuffed)

FOOD & DRINK UPDATE as of July 1st 2022

Vending machines will be operational, limited to drinks and snacks. No outside food is allowed during visits.

• Each visitor is allowed to bring in no more than $20.00 in change for vending machine purchasing.
• Visitors are not permitted to give patients any money at any time during the visit.
• Patients are not allowed to handle any money at any time during the visit.
• Patients are not to operate the vending machines at any time.  
• No exceptions to the above rules. Violation of these rules could lead to discontinuation of visit.
• Drinks will be available for purchase via the vending machine beginning on July 01, 2022 at the Visiting Center.
• Water will continue to be provided upon request.

Additional Non-Allowable Food/Drink Related Items:

• No items that require refrigeration after opening are allowed
• No faulty or leaking containers
• No metal silverware
• No glass utensils or containers
• No tin foil
• No tablecloths
• Coolers and ice chests are not allowed nor are thermos bottles or any other open containers containing liquids or ice.

No Contact Visits

The “NO CONTACT” area may only be utilized for visits with patients who have been identified, through credible documentation, to have done the following:

• Used, sold, possessed, or transported tobacco, illegal drug, drug paraphernalia, or been caught smoking or possessing other contraband.
• Tested positive for narcotics or illicit drugs within the past 90 days or where there have been clinical indications of the patient being under the influence and a drug screen has been refused by the patient.
• Currently presents a physical risk to visitors or may compromise the safety and security of this facility.

The “NO CONTACT” visiting will be considered prior to a formal denial of visitation rights.

Patient Trust Office

Visitors wishing to give funds to a patient need to mail the Trust Office the funds. Visiting Center staff are prohibited from accepting cash or checks for delivery to patients or to the Trust Office.

Department of State Hospitals - Patton
Attention: Trust Office
3102 East Highland Avenue
Patton, California 92369

Proper Attire

Visitors must be fully clothed and appropriately dressed and groomed.

The following items are prohibited:

• No dark brown or khaki clothing that resembles patient's clothes
• No tank tops, halter-tops, low cut tops, bare midriff, or revealing tops
• No short shorts - no higher than 2 inches above the knee (Bermuda shorts acceptable)
• No short skirts or dresses (no higher than 2 inches above the knee)
• No slits in garments that expose more than the knee
• No see through clothing or skintight (all spandex type shorts or pants must be covered with a shirt or blouse down to the middle of the thigh)
• No headgear (hat, scarves, etc.)
• No clothing with obscene or disparaging language or pictures
• No clothing resembling any notorious group
• No uniforms of any type (except active military), no military fatigues
• No wigs or hairpieces shall be allowed without approval of the Watch Sergeant (approval shall be based on need, e.g.: baldness)
• No sunglasses unless prescription sunglasses
• No heavy metal jewelry and No sharp edges. Visitors should wear a minimal amount of jewelry (e.g. wedding bands, one necklace, one bracelet, and watch)
• No "wire type" underwire bras (plastic stay version are allowed)

Visiting With Children

Children cannot be left unsupervised while an adult visits. Failure to comply with this may result in termination of visit.

All children under the age of 18 may only visit a patient with the approval from both a parent/guardian of the child and from the patient’s interdisciplinary team. A copy of the child’s birth certificate is also required. An approved adult escort must accompany the child throughout the visit.

• Permitted Visiting Days:
• All children under the age of 16 (sixteen) may only visit on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. provided the above mentioned approvals are in place
• Children between the ages of 16 (sixteen) and under 18 (eighteen) may visit any day of the week provided the above mentioned approvals are in place
• Physical Contact: Physical contact between patients and children will be permitted only when authorized by the Interdisciplinary team and when supervised by staff on a one-on-one ratio (A brief hug upon initiating the visit and a brief hug upon termination of the visit is the only physical contact allowed in an attempt to protect patients, staff, and visitors from Corona Virus (COVID-19)).
• Emancipated Minors: Authorized adult visitors must be over 18 years of age. Those children who are emancipated minors must bring proof (original copy of documentation) from the court in order to visit as an adult. Identification will be required to show proof of age.

Visitor Center Regular Hours

Sunday through Friday

• From 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Adult visits only (unless a child visit has received special approval and scheduling).
• Times for scheduled visits: 8:30, 9:30, 1:00, 2:00
• Patient Count - From 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. there is a pause in visitor processing during the patient count procedure, NO VISITORS WILL BE PROCESSED DURING THIS TIME AND VISITOR PROCESSING WILL RESUME AT 12:30 p.m.
• Visitor processing ends at 2:00 p.m. each day.

Saturdays

• 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Adult visits only
• Patient Count - From 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. there is a pause in visitor processing during the patient count procedure, NO VISITORS WILL BE PROCESSED DURING THIS TIME AND VISITOR PROCESSING WILL RESUME AT 12:30 p.m.
• 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. - Approved children visits only (with adult escorts).
• Visitor processing ends at 2:00 p.m. each day.

Visiting Center Holidays Schedule

The visiting center will be open for the following holidays:

• New Years Day (January 1st)
• Presidents Day (February)
• Memorial Day (May)
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Labor Day (September)
• Columbus Day (October)
• Veterans Day (November)
• Thanksgiving Day (November)
• Day after Thanksgiving (November)
• Christmas Eve (December 24th)
• Christmas Day (December 25th)

Visitor Process Requirements

All visitors must complete the Visitor Request and Authorization Form and submit it with a copy of photo identification to the Hospital Police Department prior to visiting. You may also submit via PSHTelevisitation@dsh.ca.gov.

To Save Time, the Visitor Request and Authorization Form can be mailed in advance.

You may also mail the request along with a copy of your photo ID to:

Department of State Hospitals - Patton Police Department
3102 East Highland Avenue
Patton CA 92369

The visitor will be allowed restricted (no contact visits), pending the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) review. Hospital police will still run the CLETS and if criteria is met to have a no contact visit or restrict the visit all together, then the information will be placed on the visitors list and the Hospital Administrator and Executive Director will be notified.

Visitor Identification Requirements

All visitors must register with the Visiting Center officer prior to each visit and present the officer with their acceptable form of identification listed below. In addition, the officer will ask the visitor to give his/her name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and relationship to patient. This Information will be kept on file.
The following shall be acceptable forms of identification:

• Valid driver’s license with picture
• Valid Department of Motor Vehicles' identification card with picture
• Valid federal passport with picture
• Armed forces identification card with picture
• Identification cards issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service
• Valid Mexican Consulate identification with picture

General Visitor Information

Number of Visitors: No more than two (2) persons may visit any one patient at a time.

Children Visits: No more than three (3) person may visit any one patient at a time. (This may be one (1) adult and two (2) children or two (2) adults and one (1) child).

Length of Visit: The length of visit will be scheduled for one (1) hour per visit per patient.

Long Distance Travel:: Visitors who reside 100 miles or more from DSH - Patton are allowed all day visits during available appointment times any day of the week (except during children’s visits on Saturday afternoon), depending on space availability, and only in keeping with the above schedule. Contact the patient’s Social Worker (Special Visitation Request must be competed) to get approval.

Long Distance Travel: Visitors who reside 100 miles or more from DSH - Patton are allowed all day visits during available appointment times any day of the week (except during children’s visits on Saturday afternoon), depending on space availability, and only in keeping with the above schedule. Contact the patient’s Social Worker (Special Visitation Request must be competed) to get approval.

Patients’ Visitation Rights: Patients have the right to refuse any visit.

Disabled Access: Disabled parking is a premium, very limited and often filled during visitation hours. Visitors are advised to plan on coming extra early and dropping the disabled person off near the West Compound Gate, so that they can use the benches while waiting to go inside for their visit. During the summer, be aware of the warm weather and wear hats, and long sleeves/ protective clothing to avoid excessive exposure to the sun while waiting to visit. Sometimes the area is quite crowded and people have to stand and wait in the sun.

Visiting Center Photographs - Currently placed on hold until further notice

DSH - Patton: General Guidelines for Televisitation

Visit Request and Scheduling (NOTE: best viewed using Chrome)
Tele-Visiting Letter to Families - English
Tele-Visiting Letter to Families - Spanish

General guidelines for tele-visitation with a patient:

• You will be required to present your ID at the beginning of the web conference. The information provided will need to match what has been submitted, so please fill out the form with your legal name as it appears on your state-issued ID.
• Tele-Visitation will take place daily, with first tele-visit appointment times at 8:00 am and last tele-visiting appointment times at 3:00 pm each day, with each tele-visit appointment lasting 30 minutes.  
• To allow for wider patient access to tele-visitation, patients can only be scheduled for one tele-visit per week.
• Each tele-visit may have one visitor participating from one location.
• We recommend visitors remain logged in while the meeting is loading.
• Friends and family requesting a tele-visit must confirm they have technology that allows for access to the tele-visit, including connection to the internet, a front facing camera and voice broadcasting ability on their device, and the ability to connect with a WebEx invitation.

Technology Requirements to Participate in a WebEx Meeting 

Computer:

• Headphones with microphone (preferred)
• Telephone
• Webcam
• Stable internet connection 
• Computer WebEx Tutorial

Mobile Device:

• WebEx App
• Stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular)
• Headphones with mic (preferred)
• Front facing camera
• Mobile Smart Phone WebEx Tutorial

Scheduling Tele-Visits / Verification Process

To schedule a tele-visit, please login to Tele-Visitation Scheduling to complete the request form. Tele-Visitation scheduling will be on a first come, first served basis and is subject to change at any time. Incomplete or inaccurate requests will be denied.

Additional information:

• All requests for tele-visiting will be processed by Department of Police Services in the manner similar to in-person visiting. If the visitor is restricted from grounds or has an active warrant, the tele-visit will be denied.
• The Department of Police Services visitor review process will take approximately three calendar days.
• Once approved by the Department of Police Services, and the visit is accepted by the patient, the visitor will receive a confirmation email with tele-visit day, time, and link to the tele-visit.
• Approved visitors will have their identity verified at the beginning of the tele-visit. Only previously approved visitors can participate in the tele-visit and be visible on the screen. No minors or restricted visitors will be allowed to participate. The visitation maybe be terminated for failure to comply.
• During the visit, the patient and the visitor will be expected to adhere to the same rules and regulations as in-person visits. This includes but is not limited to attire and appropriate behavior. Any misconduct may result in termination of the visit.
• Criminal activity observed during the visit will be processed in accordance with applicable laws.