HHS mandates same-sex-partner hospital visitation

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced its final rule Nov. 17 on ending discrimination against same-sex couples in hospital visitation policies.

The rule, which takes effect in January, directs any hospital receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds—nearly all hospitals—to have written visitation policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In addition, the hospitals must inform patients of their right to receive visitors of their choosing, “including, but not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner [including a same-sex domestic partner], another family member or a friend.”

The rule will cover about 6,200 hospitals with more than 35 million patient admissions per year.

“Of all the things same-sex couples have to worry about, of all the discrimination and pressures we face, not being able to see our partner or spouse shouldn’t be one of them,” said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

“Today’s announcement honors our relationships, our love and our basic humanity.”