Due to security and operational requirements/needs, and because of periodic quarantines, visiting regulations are subject to change without prior notice. To ensure visitors are aware of current regulations, it is advisable to contact Telecommunications at (805) 468-2000 prior to visitation. Visitors may also contact the Public Information Officer at (805) 468-2008 to request a copy of the hospital's visiting regulations.

Visiting hours are 8:15 AM until 1:45 PM daily. Please allow approximately one-half hour to be processed into the Visiting Room. We encourage you to visit on weekends and holidays so as not to interfere with the patient's treatment schedule. If you wish to talk with staff, however, it is best to visit on a weekday.

Please do not visit if you have a fever, a productive cough, or any illness that could be given to others in the visiting room. If you have been exposed to any diseases such as measles, mumps, or chicken pox, and you have not had the illness before, please wait at least 3 weeks before visiting.

General Regulations:

• All visitors are required to register at the Visitor Registration Desk in the main lobby, and present a valid photo identification issued by a state or federal agency. Providing false or incomplete information to the registration officer may result in the denial of visiting privileges.
• All visitors are required to complete the Hospital Visitor Health Questionnaire. Click on the highlighted language of choice link to access the Visitor Health Questionnaire - English, Español. The completed form will be evaluated. Visitation will be denied if the visitor is actively ill or determined to be ill by designated nursing staff.
• All visitors are processed through the metal detector, and all property is searched by Police Services.
• In accordance with California Welfare and Institution Code 4139, any person who attempts to introduce with intent to deliver prohibited items to a patient is a misdemeanor. Prohibited Items shall not enter the secured areas of Atascadero State Hospital. Prohibited Items include: wireless communication devices (including cell phones), memory storage devices, tobacco products and money.
• Children (under the age of 18) may be allowed access to the visiting area with prior approval from the Clinical Administrator/designee or the Executive Officer of the Day (EOD) after-hours. It is advisable to obtain this approval well in advance of the planned visit.
• No more than six (6) visitors per patient are allowed at one time.
• Visitor attire shall be conservative. Khaki-colored clothing (beige, tan, etc.) is prohibited.
• The following clothing is restricted: shorts, strapless or transparent garments, halter/midriff tops, tank tops, any wrap-around clothing, under-wire garments, skirts or dresses shall fall below the knee, clothing slits in excess of 4 inches, leg-warmers, lycra or spandex clothing, camouflage/fatigue designs, wigs (exception: for medical reasons with prior approval), no clothing with hoods, no scarves, gloves, or hats. No open-toed shoes.
• Visitors may not bring food into the visiting room. There are vending machines in the visiting room for beverages or snacks. Vending machines require silver coins, and a one-dollar change machine is also available. No more than ten dollars in one dollar bills or coins per visitor. No more than ten dollars in one dollar bill or coins for the individual visited (i.e., three visitors would be allowed a total of forty dollars)