§ 31-8-120 — Visitors; right of access

(a) Visitors must be granted access to residents, who have the right to refuse or terminate any visit. The facility must permit the resident's representatives and representatives of any federally mandated ombudsman or advocacy program to have access to the resident. Access under this Code section shall be allowed during normal visitation hours. (b) Each person entering a facility shall promptly disclose his presence and identity to the person in charge and shall enter the immediate living quarters of a resident only after identifying himself and receiving permission to enter. Such person shall leave immediately upon the resident's request. The rights of other residents in the room and in the facility shall be respected. (c) The administrator or person in charge of a facility may refuse access as described in this Code section or require a person to leave a facility only if he has reason to believe that the presence of the person seeking access would result in severe harm to any resident's health, safety, or property; if the access is sought for financial solicitation or for commercial purposes; or if such access is refused by the resident. (d) This Code section shall not limit the power of any public agency, ombudsman under Article 3 of this chapter, or other person permitted or required by law to enter and inspect a facility.