Purpose: RMHC® provides temporary lodging to support families whose children are receiving outpatient treatment at local hospitals. This policy establishes expectations for families utilizing RMHC for outpatient appointments, ensuring equitable access and alignment with our mission to serve as many families as possible.
Appointment-Based Stay Guidelines:
- Room assignments are based on availability and are not guaranteed until the morning of the anticipated arrival date.
- Each referral is reviewed individually by the Family Services Team.
- Exceptions allowing arrival the day before or departure the day after an appointment may be made, depending on appointment time, travel distance and current House census.
- Families may be eligible to stay for a single outpatient appointment as census allows.
- If a child must remain near the hospital after an appointment for medical reasons, documentation from the Care Team is required for the stay to continue.
- Guests will not be permitted to carry their stay through the weekend unless appointments are scheduled for Saturday or Sunday.
- Home healthcare visits (e.g., nursing visits to the House) do not qualify as appointments that extend a family’s eligibility to stay.
Appointment-Based Stay Requirements:
- A complete schedule of appointments must be submitted before arrival.
- A Family Services Team member will review the appointment schedule and discuss stay expectations (including check-in and check-out timing) during confirmation calls up to five days before anticipated arrival.
Missed or Cancelled Appointments:
- Families must inform RMHC staff immediately if an appointment is missed or cancelled.
- Continued eligibility to stay will be reviewed by the Family Services Team based on the updated appointment schedule and in consultation with the care team.
