CMS Urges States To Enforce Equal Visitation Rights
On Wednesday, CMS offered guidance to state hospital inspection agencies regarding equal visitation and representation rights. In November 2010, the agency issued a final rule requiring hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid to allow patients to choose their visitors during a hospital stay and designate a person -- including a same-sex partner -- to make medical decisions on their behalf. The new guidance urges state regulators to ensure that hospitals are complying with the rules and explaining the rights to patients.
- "CMS to Hospital Inspectors: Remember Equal Visitation Rights" (Zigmond, Modern Healthcare, 9/7).
- "Feds Step Up Enforcement of Hospital Visitation Rights for Same-Sex Partners" (McIntosh, Bay Citizen, 9/8).