This week, a new rule went into effect for hospitals across the nation to ease the longtime burden on unmarried or gay partners who, until now, could be prohibited from visiting loved ones who may lie sick and dying without a hand to hold.
The rule, first proposed in a memorandum by President Obama in April, 2010, ensures that hospitals choosing to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs must respect the rights of patients to designate visitors. Participating hospitals may no longer deny visitation privileges based on factors including sexual orientation or gender identity.
New visitation regulations also will benefit childless widows or widowers who may desire the companionship of an unmarried partner or friend. They will also apply to members of religious orders (who are single and have strong relationships within their order).
