House Rules and Guest Policies

To ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all families, the following policies apply at the VA Pittsburgh Fisher House. Because the Fisher House is located on federal property, these guidelines are strictly enforced:

Safety & Prohibited Items/Activities

• Guns, firearms, or any type of weapon or explosives are not permitted in the Fisher House or on VA Medical Center grounds.
• Alcoholic beverages or illegal substances (drugs) are not permitted in Fisher Houses or on VA Medical Center grounds.
• No smoking in, around or near the Fisher House. Smoking is only permitted in the VA Medical Center’s designated smoking areas.
• Personal appliances or items with open flames such as hotplates, coffee makers, candles and the like are not permitted in the Fisher House.
• Gambling on VA Fisher House or Medical Center grounds is not permitted.​

Behavior & Community Standards

• Disruptive behavior, sexual misconduct, threats, or demands for preferential treatment are not permitted in VA Fisher Houses.
• Soliciting, vending or selling on Fisher House or VA Medical Center grounds is not permitted.

Guests, Visitors, & Access

• Unauthorized guests are not permitted in VA Fisher Houses. Registered guests are responsible for notifying the VA Fisher House Manager prior to additional guest visitation. Guest keys/keycards are non-transferable.
• Doors are to remain locked at all times, Fisher House is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Health & Medical Considerations

• Medical or nursing services will not be provided in the Fisher House. Guests must be capable of self-care; or accompanied by a family member/caregiver capable of safely meeting their care needs.
• If a Veteran or Active Duty Service member is requesting VA Fisher House accommodations during an outpatient episode of treatment, they are required to be accompanied by a family member or caregiver while staying in a VA Fisher House.
• Guests cannot have any communicable disease or condition that can be transmitted to other guests through general contact. Guests will notify the Fisher House Manager immediately should this change during their stay.

Children & Supervision

• Children under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times. Child care services are not provided at the Fisher House or by VA Staff. Failure to supervise children and to clean up after them may lead to your being asked to leave the Fisher House.

Housekeeping & Property Care

• Intentional damage or removal of VA Fisher House property is not permitted.
• No food or drinks except water can be taken to or stored in VA Fisher House bedrooms.
• Rooms are cleaned prior to guest’s arrival. VA Fisher Houses do not have maid service available. Guests are responsible for laundering bed linens while they are staying at the Fisher House. Guests are also responsible for daily, general cleaning of their room.
• Guests are responsible for any damage to VA Fisher House property.​

Animals

• Animals, except service dogs, are NOT permitted in VA Fisher Houses.

Security, Privacy, & Federal Regulations

• The Fisher House is a federal facility and the VA police will enforce federal law. VA Police maintain the right to search the Fisher House.
• Due to the privacy of our guests, the Fisher House prohibits media and equipment in the house without the express coordination with the VA Public Affairs Officer.

Guest Acknowledgement

• Guests must agree to read the Fisher House Guestbook, familiarize themselves with all of the house rules; emergency evacuation procedures; and expectations of guest behavior as it pertains to house harmony, cleaning, visitors and daily living in a community setting.

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These guidelines help ensure the Fisher House remains a safe, welcoming place for every family during a difficult time. Staff are always available to answer questions or provide clarification.