Department of State Hospitals is reopening for in-person visitation. Protocols for in-person visits have been developed based on CDPH and CDC guidance. The below guidelines are implemented in order to keep patients and their visitors safe during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. This information can be shared with family and friends who may wish to visit. It can also be found on the DSH-Metro webpage under ‘Visitor Information’. If you have any questions, please contact your designated Social Worker, or hospital administration at (562) 651-2223. General Guidelines: Scheduling: Screening and Testing Protocols: Infection Control Protocols: During the Visit:
- Visitors and residents shall wear masks for source control during visitation. The only exception is children under the age of 2. Surgical masks will be provided and required to be worn by visitors at the hospital.
- Visitors and patients shall maintain social distancing during the visit.
- Fully vaccinated patients can choose to briefly touch visitors at the beginning and end of each visit while wearing a mask (such as a hug or handshake).
- Visitors shall maintain social distancing from other patients and staff.
- All other facility policies related to visiting regulations, attire, and allowable items remain in effect.
If you have questions about the visitation protocols, please reach out to your Unit Supervisor or Treatment Team. Thank you!
All visits must be scheduled in advance. There is no walk-in visitation at this time. Please read through and comply with the visitor guidelines before using the scheduling link to reserve your visit.
DSH-Metropolitan Visitation Scheduling (NOTE: best viewed using Chrome, Internet Explorer may not be supported)
DSH-Metro Visitation Scheduling (NOTE: best viewed using Chrome)
Our Tele-Visit Program is temporary until our facility is able to resume normal visiting operations. This link will take the visitor to the Tele-Visit form. Instructions are provided on the form. All patients at DSH-Metropolitan are able to participate in Tele-Visits depending on scheduling availability:
Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact your designated Social Worker, or hospital administration at (562) 651-2223.
Please note: 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.
To make tele-visitation available as soon as possible, this process has been implemented while still in development. Due to current limitations and the need for individual background checks, only one visitor will be allowed per time slot. We hope to allow for multiple visitors at once as soon as possible.
Department of State Hospitals – Statewide Contraband List
In accordance with Welfare & Institutions Code Section 7295, to ensure its safety and security, the Department of State Hospitals has developed a list of items deemed contraband at every state hospital.
A. "Contraband" means materials, articles, or goods that patients are prohibited from having in their possession because such materials, articles or goods present a risk to safety and security in the facility. (Welf. & Inst. Code, 7295, subd. (i); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 9, 881, subd. (e).)
B. Items restricted to use only under supervision or control may be considered contraband for the purposes of this list, as they should not be in patient's possession without supervision. All items that are illegal to possess are by default considered to be contraband, whether specifically contained in this list or not. This includes any items prohibited as a condition of parole as it applies to any patient on active parole while housed in a DSH facility.
Statewide Contraband List
Visiting Hours
Visits from relatives and friends are an important part of the Patient’s therapeutic progress. No authorized visit will be denied unless such a visit is considered therapeutically harmful. All Patients retain the right to decline visits from anyone.
Visiting hours in Programs I, II and VI are 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. daily. Out-of-state visitors, those who have traveled a considerable distance or demonstrate special circumstances, may be permitted to visit outside regular visiting hours.
Visiting hours in Penal Code Programs III and V are 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. daily. These hours and visitations are subject to additional restrictions. It is recommended that visitors review current visiting policy with program staff prior to their visit.
Minors visiting Patients must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for the supervision of the minor.
It is recommended that advance notice be given when planning a visit to ensure the Patient is available (not in clinics, groups, etc.) and prepared for visitors.
The hospital is handicapped accessible.
Smoking
Metropolitan State Hospital is a tobacco free facility. No use of tobacco in any form is allowed on the hospital grounds.
Metropolitan
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