New Visitor Restrictions Implemented at Providence Hospitals

New Visitor Restrictions Take Effect Across Providence Eastern Washington Facilities

Beginning Monday, November 9, 2026, Providence hospitals and medical clinics across Spokane and Stevens counties are implementing a strict new set of visitor policies. The move, aimed at curbing the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses, marks a significant shift in hospital access for families and patients throughout the region, according to reporting by KXLY.com.

The updated rules affect a broad network of facilities, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Holy Family Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center. While the health system emphasizes that these measures are intended to prioritize community safety, the policy changes create immediate logistical hurdles for families, particularly those with young children.

Age-Based Restrictions and Pediatric Care

One of the most notable changes is a firm age limit for visitors. Starting Monday, children under the age of 12 will not be permitted in various hospital departments, including inpatient units at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and the Women’s Health Center. As reported by KHQ.com, these restrictions extend to siblings and will remain in place at least until a scheduled evaluation by staff in the spring.

The policy varies significantly depending on the specific unit. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and adult critical care units, the age restriction is even more stringent: no visitors under 18 are allowed. For pediatric patients, the hospital permits two adult visitors, though one must wear a designated wristband to track access.

Operating Hours and Inpatient Limits

Providence has standardized visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for most of its facilities, with the notable exception of pediatric, neonatal intensive care, and labor and delivery units, which remain open for visitors around the clock. For standard inpatient rooms, the policy limits the number of visitors to two at a time. Should a patient be in isolation due to conditions such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV, or tuberculosis, the rules tighten further, allowing only two visitors per day who must wear full personal protective equipment provided by the hospital.

New Visitor Restrictions Implemented at Providence Hospitals — Photo: khq.com

The health system is also refining its approach to maternal care. Laboring patients are permitted one wristbanded visitor and two additional consistent support people, totaling four individuals including the patient. In a nod to modern birth support, Providence confirms that a certified doula is considered a member of the treatment team and does not count against these general visitor caps.

Exceptions and Screening Protocols

Despite the rigid nature of the new policy, Providence has established clear channels for exceptions. Clergy members are granted access at any time, provided they undergo standard screening, and do not count toward daily visitor limits. Furthermore, bedside access remains available for patients at the end of life and for those requiring specialized language interpretation that cannot be facilitated through the hospital’s tele-translator services. For all other unique circumstances, approval must be sought through nursing directors or administrators on call.

Providence hospitals return Wednesday to their no-visitor policy

All individuals entering these facilities must check in at a designated screening desk to receive a visitor pass. Providence officials have stated that they highly encourage all visitors to wear a mask while on campus, reinforcing the message that the current surge in respiratory illness requires a collective effort to keep clinical environments stable for vulnerable patients.

As the regional health landscape shifts toward these more restrictive protocols, the burden of coordination falls heavily on families who must now navigate complex unit-specific rules. While the necessity of these measures is clear to hospital administrators, the coming months will test the community’s capacity to balance the need for physical presence with the imperative of infection control.