Usually hospitals have a volunteer orientation that you would have to complete, which covers everything from security issues to infection control and hospital policy. You will also have to have a TB test.
Nursing homes are much more relaxed. My experience has been that nursing homes are desperate for entertainment. There are so many residents in nursing homes who never get visitors, so usually if you call the nursing home activity director, he or she will be overjoyed to have you stop by. That's not to say that the hospitals don't appreciate volunteer clowns; they do. There are just several steps you have to take before you can start volunteering in a hospital setting.
Both hospital and nursing home clowning are so rewarding. Good luck!
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