CMS SOM App. U, Tag R213

Interpretive Guidelines: §403.742(b)(1)(iv)

“Full visual privacy” means that patients have a means of completely withdrawing from

public view while occupying their bed (e.g., curtain, moveable screens, private room).

The guidelines do not intend to limit the provisions of privacy to solely one or more

curtains, moveable screens or a private room. Facility operators are free to use other

means to provide full visual privacy, with those means varying according to the needs

and requests of patients. However, the requirement explicitly states that bedrooms must

“be designed or equipped to assure full visual privacy for each patient.” For example, a

patient with a bed by the window cannot be required to remain out of his or her room

while his/her roommate is having a dressing changed. Room design or equipment must

provide privacy.

Survey Procedures:

• Surveyors will assess whether the means the facility is using to assure full-visual

privacy meets this requirement without negatively affecting any other patient

rights.