Ochsner Health’s standard visitation hours are from 8 a.m. -8 p.m. or per each individual facility’s operating procedures. Some of our locations will require you to walk through a metal scanning device to ensure the safety of all visitors, patients and employees. We have a visitation check-in system in the main lobby for most of our locations. To help ensure a smooth and quick process:

• Please have your form of identification ready.
• You will be given a badge that must be always worn during the visitation period.
• If you have a cough, cold or any symptoms of flu, COVID-19 or any other infectious disease, please reconsider your visit.
• Masking is highly encouraged in patient care areas. In the event of an infectious disease surge or outbreak, masking will be enforced.

Who is allowed to visit?

Each patient has the right to designate a support person, and/or visitors of their choice and may withdraw consent at any time. Visitors may include but are not limited to: a spouse, domestic partner, another family member or a friend, or a member of the clergy.

• Children must always be accompanied by at least one adult.
• Children must be at least 5 years old to visit the hospital and 12 years old to visit ICU and NICU, unless an exception is granted.

• Emergency Rooms will allow one adult support person and patients who are children may have up to two guardians.

• The number of people allowed per patient varies depending on department and facility location. 

Limitations on hospital visitation

A justified clinical restriction on a patient’s visitation rights may include, but need not be limited to, one or more of the following:

• Infection control issues
• Forensic patients (patients in custody)
• Court order restricting contact

Ochsner Health visitation privileges may be discontinued at any time based on the clinical situation of the patient, visitor noncompliance with recommended procedures, safety issues or other factors. Ochsner has a zero-tolerance policy toward any behavior that interferes with the care of a patient.

Facility Visitor Hours

Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock | Ochsner Health