Room for Improvement

Every patient deserves the basic right to designate whom they wish to see while in the hospital, Sebelius said in a statement. “Today’s proposed rules would ensure that all patients have equal access to the visitors of their choosing—whether or not those visitors are, or are perceived to be, members of a patient’s family.”

“This proposed rule is an important step forward in the rights of all Americans to expect equal rights and privileges from the healthcare system, regardless of their personal and familial situations,” said Marilyn Tavenner, CMS acting administrator. The proposed rules are available for public comment for 60 days and will be finalized after CMS has considered the comments.

Reported by Janice Simmons on June 24.