Right Column

Visitor Information

Visiting Room Regulations

Coalinga State Hospital encourages visits from relatives and friends. We recognize
them to be an important part of the individual’s therapeutic process. Authorized visits
will not be denied unless such a visit is declined by the individual, or deemed to be
harmful to the individual.

• Incoming Patient Unit Phones

VISITING HOURS:

• 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7- days per week, including holidays
  *No visitors will be processed after 2:00 p.m.

VISITOR PROCESSING AND REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION:

• Visitor processing takes approximately 30 minutes. Visitors will not be
  processed after 2:00 p.m., two hours before the closing of the visiting room.
  
• Visitors must present a valid government issued form of photo identification,
  address, telephone number, vehicle license number if applicable and relationship
  to the Individual.
  
• Visiting is on a first come, first serve basis. Should Visiting Room capacity be
  reached, some visitors may be asked to shorten their visit. Visiting may
  implement a rotation system if necessary.
  
• This is a secure facility and for safety and security reasons visitors are subject to
  search.
  
• Attorneys requiring room reservation for clients, please contact (559) 935- 4099
  at least two business days prior to requested date. Rooms are subject to
  availability.

SPECIAL VISITOR CLEARANCE REQUIRED:

• Minors (under the age of 18), International visitors, former employees, former
  patients, students or contract employees of DMH must advise and/or obtain
  written permission prior to the visit. Please contact External Affairs for special
  instructions (559) 935-4099.

CLOTHING:

• Visitors are expected to dress to meet the constraints of the hospital setting. Attire shall
  be conservative and non-revealing. Visitors not properly dressed will not be admitted
  into the visiting room.
• Clothing that is prohibited is that which represents the uniform or clothing worn
  by Individuals, staff or officers. This includes scrubs, denim, khaki, light blue and
  florescent green clothing, etc.
• Examples of inappropriate clothing; strapless garments, halter, bare midriff or
  tank tops (male or female), transparent clothing, wrap-around tops, under wire
  garments, shorts, or clothing with hoods. Skirts or dresses shorter than mid thigh,
  exercise type clothing (i.e., spandex, leotards), excessively loose, skin-tight
  or excess clothing (i.e., hats, gloves, and scarves).
• Wigs will be permitted when worn for medical reasons and prior approval has
  been obtained from DPS.

ITEMS ALLOWED IN VISITING ROOM:

• Up to $20.00 in $1.00 increments or unwrapped coins for use in vending
  machine.
• Twenty loose photographs. DPS will review the photographs to assure
  suitability.
• Medication required by visitor is limited to life-sustaining medication only in pill
  form. Only the amount needed during the visit will be allowed.
• Visitors may bring in food to be consumed in the Visiting Room. Containers may
  be opened and searched. Liquid refreshments provided by the hospital or
  otherwise available in the visiting room are allowed. Food items are limited and
  must be in clear plastic wrap or clear plastic containers.
• Paper plates, plastic spoons and paper napkins are provided by the hospital. No
  other utensils are allowed.
• Sharing of food with other visitors or Individuals is not permitted. Tables and
  area must be cleared of uneaten food or trash prior to leaving.
• Direct transfer of property between Individual and visitor is prohibited. Property
  must be given to the Visiting Center Police Officer for proper handling.

VISITING ROOM CONDUCT:

• Individual and visitor may embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of each
  visit which is limited to momentary contact.
• During visit, the Individual and visitor may hold hands. Any other contact is
  prohibited and may result in termination of the visit.
• Any misconduct may result in termination and violators may be subject to
  prosecution if determined to be a violation of the law.

Please note this is not a complete list of regulations.