title: ICU visitation policies.
abstract: Critically ill patients need their families more than ever, but rigid policies often restrict family visitation in ICU. Family visitation is not a "privilege" granted by hospitals, it is a necessary adjunct to the therapeutic regimen. Though changing outdated visitation policies can be difficult, it must be done. The clinical nurse specialist can play an important role in planning and implementing needed change.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cleveland
mesh_terms: D005845:Georgia; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011050:Policy Making; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D014789:Visitors to Patients