The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Visitor Welcoming System
We know that expert, compassionate patient care provided in a safe, welcoming environment is of the highest importance to our patients and visitors at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. As part of a comprehensive effort to enhance security, we are phasing in several new features, which started in March 2023. We have increased the number of security and guest services staff to welcome and assist you with the registration process.
Visitor Guidelines
- Patients, visitors and care partners are required to register and present a valid photo ID when entering our main hospital buildings.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for this new process.
- You will receive a printed badge that should be worn at all times while in the hospital.
- Visitors and care partners: self-service kiosks are available if you want to skip the line and print a badge yourself. Some exclusions apply, in which case you will be asked to visit the front desk.
- The Maryland Gun Safety Act of 2023 prevents gun owners from taking firearms into hospitals. Beginning in January 2024, patients, visitors and care partners must walk through a weapons-detection system when entering. Johns Hopkins is a weapons-free campus.
We will consider expanding and adapting the system in the future. Thank you for your assistance in our commitment to ensure a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Visitor FAQs
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Beginning in March 2023, all patients, visitors and care partners are required to register and present a valid photo ID when entering our main hospital buildings. They will receive a printed badge that they should wear at all times while in the hospital.
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Your safety is a priority at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. This system is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance security for staff members, patients, care partners and visitors. The system will allow us to know who is in the hospital and help us honor patient wishes regarding their visitors.
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Valid photo IDs include an unexpired:
- State-issued driver’s license
- State-issued ID
- Passport
- Other government-issued ID
- School ID
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Anyone without a valid photo ID will need to have their photo taken at the Guest Services desk. This photo will be printed with your badge. Staff will work to independently verify your identity in addition to taking your photo.
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When you enter one of our main hospital buildings, you will be guided to the welcome desk. A member of our guest services staff will scan your ID and print a badge for you to wear at all times while in the hospital. That badge will include your photo.
Security and guest services staff members will be stationed at each entrance to help you.
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The information from your ID will be used for security purposes only, and it will be removed from the system when no longer needed. The Johns Hopkins Hospital does not sell or trade this information.
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If you do not have a badge, a staff member may ask you to stop at one of the hospital’s welcome desks to register and receive a badge. All visitors and care partners are required to wear a badge in our main hospital buildings, including on patient floors.
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Care partners will not be required to register in the emergency department. If a patient is admitted to the hospital from the emergency department, their care partners should register at one of the hospital’s guest services desks before going upstairs to the patient’s hospital room.
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Currently, visitors to outpatient buildings will not need to present a photo ID or register. We will be assessing ways to enhance security at these entrances.
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Upon leaving, visitors and care partners should place their badges in bins that have been placed at the main hospital building exits. All used badges will be shredded.
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Evolv uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence technology to detect concealed weapons that could cause harm. Patients, visitors and staff members do not need to empty their pockets before walking through the system.
Laptops and tablet computers may trigger an alert as you walk through the weapons-detection system. We recommend you remove your laptops and tablets before screening, and hold them in front while walking through the upright posts.
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If a weapon is detected, a public safety officer is alerted right away. The public safety team then takes immediate measures to resolve the situation before allowing entry into the hospital, in order to help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the premises.
Detected weapons and other dangerous items must be surrendered or taken home. If you have an appointment, it may need to be rescheduled.
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The Johns Hopkins Hospital is a weapons-free campus. This includes:
- Firearms, firearm magazines and bullets
- Box cutters
- Knives
- Razors
- Tasers/stun guns
- Any item that may be classified as a weapon
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Evolv uses ultra-low frequency electromagnetic fields and advanced sensors to detect concealed weapons. The frequency levels are considered safe for the general public, including people who are pregnant, and they are similar to those used by some anti-theft systems in stores.