Facial-Coverings Policy

Effective Date: August 1, 2023
References: Florida Statutes §§ 408.823, 408.824, and 381.026

Last Reviewed: November 1, 2025

Our Commitment

At Victoria Landing Assisted Living, we believe care should honor both safety and freedom. In accordance with Florida Statutes § 408.823 (In-Person Visitation), § 408.824 (Facial Coverings in Health Care Settings), and § 381.026 (Patient Bill of Rights), we uphold each individual’s right to make informed health care choices in an environment that values dignity, respect, and independence.

Our community follows state law to ensure that facial coverings are used only when medically appropriate and that every resident, visitor, and staff member retains the right to choose what best supports their comfort and well-being.

Resident Policy

Facial coverings are only required for residents who:

Are in a common area and are exhibiting symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, an infectious disease spread through droplets or airborne transmission.

A health care practitioner or provider may request a resident to wear a facial covering under these circumstances.
Residents always have the right to opt out of wearing a facial covering and may select alternative infection-control options consistent with Florida law.

Visitor Policy

Visitors may be asked to wear a facial covering when they are:

Exhibiting symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, an infectious disease spread through droplets or airborne transmission;
In a sterile area or an area where sterile procedures are performed;
In a resident or clinical room with a symptomatic or infectious resident; or
Visiting a resident with a compromised immune system whose practitioner has determined a facial covering is necessary for safety.

Visitors have the right to opt out of wearing a facial covering when an alternative infection-control measure—such as physical distancing, the use of barriers, or outdoor visitation—is available and appropriate.

Staff Policy

Staff may be required to wear a facial covering when:

Exhibiting symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, an infectious disease spread through droplets or airborne transmission;
Working in a sterile area or during sterile procedures;
Providing care to a resident who is symptomatic or diagnosed with a transmissible disease; or
Providing care to an immunocompromised resident for whom masking is necessary.

Otherwise, staff have the right to opt out of facial-covering requirements.

Resident Rights

All residents have the right to:

Make informed health care decisions;
Have their dignity and personal preferences respected;
Decline the use of facial coverings and request alternative protective measures; and
File a complaint with the appropriate agencies if they believe their rights have been violated.

A Complaint Rights Poster is displayed in our common area and included in every admission package.

Alternative Safety Measures

When a resident, visitor, or staff member opts out of wearing a facial covering, Victoria Landing provides reasonable alternatives, which may include:

Social distancing;
Outdoor visitation;
Transparent or physical barriers; or
Alternative styles of facial coverings.

Definitions

Employee: Any person employed by or contracted with the community, including practitioners, aides, administrative staff, maintenance, students, and volunteers.

Health Care Setting: Any location where health care practitioners or providers deliver services.
Resident: Any individual receiving services or care within the community.
Sterile Area: Any area where surgery or aseptic procedures occur.
Visitor: Any individual who is not an employee or resident of the community.
Provider: Any service, agency, or facility regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) under § 408.802, F.S.

Our Promise

At Victoria Landing, we honor freedom of choice and informed decision-making.
Our approach to health and safety reflects a simple truth — well-being grows in an environment of dignity, respect, and connection.

We remain committed to protecting the health of our residents and staff while preserving the independence that defines life at Victoria Landing.