The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a rule that will grant gay and lesbian partners the same hospital visitation rights as married heterosexual couples.
In a media call with reporters on Wednesday, CMS and Health and Human Services (HHS) officials announced that the new rule -- which takes effect in 60 days -- will give patients the rights to choose their own visitors during a hospital stay.
The rule was praised as a positive step in the gay community, but its influence would extend beyond allowing access for same-sex couples who are not legally married and who might be denied hospital visitation with their partners.
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