Updated masking guidance

As of April 14, 2023, we’ve eased our face mask requirements for patients, visitors, faculty and staff at our clinical facilities. Masks may still be required to be worn in certain instances.

View our updated policy for more information

Visiting hours

Visitation is generally 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week in most hospital units. To promote healing, some patients may have limited visitation and some hospital areas, such as intensive care units, may limit visitation times. All visitors must be free of illness.

Hospital and emergency department visitors

  • Be prepared to show a government-issued photo ID upon arrival 
  • Photo visitor badge must be visibly worn at all times 
  • Wear a hospital-provided mask over nose AND mouth at all times, if you're experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms (ex. cough, sore throat, fever, etc.)
  • Proper personal protective equipment (masking, gown and gloves) is required to be worn when visiting a patient that is in isolation
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • In the Emergency Department, only one visitor per patient at a time
  • Visitors are allowed for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 

Overnight visitation

  • The care of the patient will be the primary factor in overnight visitation. The patient care staff will balance the needs of all patients, including those who may be sharing a room.
  • Based on approval by the clinical care team, one named visitor (18 years of age or older) per patient per room may be allowed between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • A visitor planning to remain for overnight visitation must arrive and be registered with a visitor badge prior to end of regular visitation hours at 8 p.m.

Can children visit the hospital?

Children under the age of 18 will be permitted to visit in most units; however child visitation is not permitted in select patient care areas. Visitors may obtain more information about visitation by children at the nurses’ station. In patient care areas where child visitation is permitted, to assure the child’s safety, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied and properly supervised by a non-patient adult at all times.

Respect for other patients

Studies show that a quiet environment can help patients heal faster. When you are visiting, please observe the visiting policy and maintain respectful noise levels throughout the hospital. Please be respectful of roommates and patients in nearby rooms by keeping noise to a minimum.

Outpatient care/ambulatory visitors

  • Visitors to all hospital locations must have a hospital-provided visitor sticker visible at all times while in the building
  • Wear a hospital-provided mask over nose AND mouth at all times, if you're experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms (ex. cough, sore throat, fever, etc.)
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Visitors are allowed for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 

Questions or concerns about visitation policies

If you have questions or concerns, you can contact our Patient Experience team at:

  • Ohio State University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital: 614-293-8944
  • Ohio State Harding Hospital: 614-293-9600
  • Ohio State East Hospital: 614-257-2310
  • James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute: 614-293-8609

Information about hotels and nearby areas

Looking for overnight accommodations? Please see our Hotel Accommodation information sheets:

You can also find out more about Columbus and Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center in the About Us section of this website.

Tobacco-free policy

Help us provide a healthy environment for our patients, visitors and employees by adhering to our tobacco-free policy. Smoking, or the use of other tobacco products, is prohibited at all medical center locations, including inside of buildings, outside of buildings, in parking areas and in green spaces. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors. For more information about our policy, FAQs and resources to help you quit, visit tobaccofree.osu.edu.