Printer Friendly Version

Policy Change

The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland provides short-term lodging for eligible families.

Beginning January 1, 2007, families who need our services will be required to have a Patient Referral Form (add link to the form) completed by the hospital staff within 48 hours of their arrival.

In addition, our new policy includes a maximum length of stay at the House of no more than 60 consecutive days for a family whose child is receiving outpatient treatment. Patients who are receiving outpatient care must have a minimum of two (2) appointments/treatments per week and proof of appointments/treatments will be required. When a family leaves the House after 60 days, they must wait at least 30 days before returning. The 60-day limit does not apply to families whose children are receiving inpatient care.

Exceptions to the 60-day rule require an explanatory note from the physician and are made at the discretion of House staff.

Basic Policy

1. Families with children who qualify to use the House must fall within the following guidelines. The patient must be twenty-one (21) years of age or younger and be admitted to or receiving treatment at any Cleveland area hospital. Exceptions for the following reasons must be approved by House staff and confirmed by the hospital prior to the guest’s arrival:
   • Patients under the age of 30 who are being treated on a pediatric unit at any Cleveland area hospital.
     
   • Patients between 21 and 30 years of age who have an ongoing, chronic childhood disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis or congenital heart defects).
     
   • Patients between 21 and 30 years of age who are still dependents of their parents/guardians.
     
   • Expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies.
     
2. A completed and signed Patient Referral Form (PRF) is required within 48 hours of a family’s arrival at the House.
   
3. One occupant must be at least 18 years old.
   
4. Only one room per family and one family per room. Each room can accommodate up to four people, with two double beds.
   
5. Reservations for international families must be made by the respective hospital’s International Center with a House staff member.

Please click on the policy name, for a full copy of our Family Eligibility Policy, our Home Healthcare Policy or our Patient Referral Form.

Questions regarding the new policy should be directed to Joanmarie Button jbutton@clevelandrmh.org or Mark Destino mdestino@clevelandrmh.org.