If you’re concerned about seeking care for your child at this time, rest assured. It’s safe to resume care, no matter your child’s needs. We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure Riley Children’s Health locations remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers.
Mask Policy
Mask Policy
Our masking procedures and requirements have been updated per CDC recommendations in all facilities to further prevent COVID-19 transmission from those who may be infected, whether or not they are showing symptoms. These policies reflect the latest information and the current status of supplies available.
- Everyone entering a Riley Children’s Health or IU Health facility over age 2, both inpatient and outpatient, will be required to wear a medical-grade surgical or isolation mask. This includes visitors, patients and team members. Masks are available at public entrances from guest relations.
- All patients should wear a mask while in our facilities except when in their room.
- All new patients and visitors will continue to be screened for symptoms when entering our facilities and will be provided a mask to wear. If symptomatic and a parent/guardian of a pediatric patient, the parent/guardian may be masked and continue to their destination or asked to reschedule their visit, depending upon the urgency of the appointment and patient care required.
- Please remember, children younger than 2 should NOT be masked. Learn more from Pediatric Hospitalist Dr. Emily Scott on alternative options.
- Homemade cloth masks are no longer allowed.
Visiting Guidelines
Visiting Guidelines
For patient and team member safety, visitor guidelines are in place at all Riley at IU Health Facilities. Visitation hours are not restricted. All visitors must follow all COVID-19 protocols while on-site (pass the symptom screening questionnaire, mask at all times (age 2+), practice hand hygiene, maintain social distance).
Hospital Visitor Guidelines
Riley at IU Health will allow two parents/guardians and up to four designated visitors. For many inpatients, children age 2+ may visit if accompanied by an adult. Some units may have additional visitor guidelines in place. Please review the additional information below or speak with a member of your/your child’s care team to help answer any questions.
- Only two adult visitors in the room at one time
- Only two parents/guardians can stay overnight
- Visitors to the NICU must be 18 years or older
- Visitors under the age of 2 may be permitted by each unit based on considerations regarding breast feeding, family dynamics and/or end of life
- Visitors can switch out between parents/guardians and designated visitors as frequently as they wish outside the unit
Outpatient Appointments
Up to two people (age 2+) may accompany a patient (exceptions allowed when siblings accompany the parent and patient). Please remember, besides in-person visits, we continue to offer Virtual Visits or visits by telephone based on your child’s needs. Call your provider’s office to schedule. Here is what you can expect at your child’s in-office appointment for your safety:
- We will screen all visitors for COVID-19 at the entrance.
- All visitors must follow all COVID-19 protocols while on-site (screen negative, mask at all times if over age 2, practice hand hygiene, maintain social distance).
- If the companion/parent/guardian does not pass the screening, another companion/parent/guardian can be screened, or the appointment will be rescheduled.
- If the parent/guardian accompanying the patient is symptomatic, please call the clinic in advance to determine if the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
- All office staff and providers will be wearing a mask.
- All patients and visitors age 2 and older will be required to wear a mask, which we will provide.
- We follow strict procedures for cleaning surfaces between each patient visit.
- We have spaced out waiting areas to enable social distancing and set up new ways to limit your time spent in waiting areas.
The above restrictions apply at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and Riley Children's Health at IU Health North.
The Riley Safe Care Pledge
The Riley Safe Care Pledge
- Universal Mask Mandate: All team members will wear masks at every Riley Children’s Health care facility. Patients and caregivers will be required to wear masks also, provided at no cost. You can read our full mask policy below.
- Limited Waiting Room Time: We are working hard to significantly decrease (or even eliminate) the time you spend in waiting rooms.
- Social Distancing Priority: We support social distancing guidelines by visibly displaying six-foot distances and re-configuring spaces in each of our facilities wherever possible.
- Continual Disinfecting: We are enhancing our disinfecting procedures so that spaces remain thoroughly clean throughout the day.
- Visiting Guidelines: Visitation may be limited or reduced in some areas. Find the full visitor guidelines policy above.
Our Response to COVID-19
Riley Children's Health takes the health and safety of our patients, visitors and team members very seriously. In response to the spread of COVID-19, we have developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan as part of our efforts to reduce the potential for exposure and spread of COVID-19.