On the list of things to celebrate:

[rivers_bend]

Hospital Visitation Regulations go into Effect Today

"There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital. In these hours of need and moments of pain and anxiety, all of us would hope to have a hand to hold, a shoulder on which to lean – a loved one to be there for us, as we would be there for them."

With those words on April 15, 2010 President Obama directed HHS Secretary Sebelius to initiate rulemaking to ensure that hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid respect the rights of patients to designate visitors. The President further advised that the rule should ensure that participating hospitals may not deny visitation privileges based on factors including sexual orientation or gender identity.

Today the new Hospital Visitation Regulations go into effect.

This policy impacts millions of LGBT Americans and their families. The President saw an injustice and felt very strongly about correcting this and has spoken about it often over the years. I want to thank HHS Secretary Sebelius and her team for their resolve to see this rule implemented. In fact, long before this rule was finalized, back in June, 2010 the Secretary laid the groundwork by reaching out to leaders of major hospital associations asking them to encourage their member hospitals to not wait for the formal rulemaking to run its course regarding patient-centered visitation rights suggested by the President.

This significant policy change is due in no small part to the journeys of two incredibly courageous and passionate women, Janice Langbehn and Charlene Strong. Both lived through unimaginable experiences with the loss of their wives and life partners. While I never had the opportunity to meet Janice’s wife Lisa Pond, or Charlene’s wife Kate Fleming, I have had the honor to meet and work with Janice and Charlene. I want to thank them for bringing us all into their lives and for sharing themselves and their families with us, and for using their voices to make lives better for LGBT families.

Brian Bond is Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

Comments

[missyjack.livejournal.com]

I am this right- does this mean that until now hospitals could bar people from visiting a patient, even if the patient wanted that person to visit?

[rivers-bend.livejournal.com]

I wish I could say no, but, in fact, yes. hospitals could bar anyone who was not the 'official' next of kin from visiting. and in many places, only parents, children or legal spouses could be next of kin. and if you were unconscious and your parents didn't want your partner of 25 years visiting you, even if your parents hadn't spoken to you in 25 years, your partner could not come in. at all. ever. It's appalling on so many levels I don't even really know where to start. This is HUGE.

[missyjack.livejournal.com]

WOW. I am just speechless over this. Australia, like the UK, has such a consumer-centred and driven approach to care (and has had for decades) that this would be unthinkable (thankfully). A great step forward indeed.

[eowyn-for-adam.livejournal.com]

Well, it's about time that stupid archaic rule was overthrown!!
Hurray!!

[jeeronie.livejournal.com]

Well, I was so dumbfounded I was just going to ask what missyjack asked... Really? Hospitals having more control over visits than the patients is a very bizarre concept.
I'm glad it has changed not only because of LGBT families (to whom this is obviously so important) but also just to be rid of such a ridiculous law.
Thank you for the good news!

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

I am SO glad this was signed into law.

Nobody, whether it's the patient or the patient's loved ones, should have to deal with the prejudices of an admitting nurse, a doctor, or a hospital in a time of need.

It ought to be the patient's decision, and no-one else's. And if the patient is too ill to communicate, any prior wishes should be honored.

Honestly, it's sad that we need a law like this. But thank goodness we now have one.