12voltman59
Jan 25, 2011, 12:00 PM
Checking my email box this morning----I received this message from one of my US Senators:
I am proud to announce that this past week, a decision by the Obama Administration to extend hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners was finally put into effect. Under this decision, individuals in same-sex relationships are now able to designate their partners as someone eligible to make major medical decisions for them.
In April of 2010, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that ordered HHS to implement rules that would extend equal visitation rights to same-sex partners. Additionally, these rules will ensure that the powers of attorney and advanced care directives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans are honored. By guaranteeing the validity of these legal documents, individuals in same-sex relationships can appoint their partners as their medical proxy without fear of discrimination or a disregard for these documents by the hospital.
HHS finalized and implemented the rules last week. Hospitals that receive Medicaid and Medicare funding — the vast majority of hospitals — must comply with these new regulations or risk losing federal funding. I believe this is an important step forward in promoting equality.
Anytime a loved one is in the hospital — whether for an unexpected injury or long-term illness — it is a stressful situation. During this time of stress and uncertainty, it is important that a patient has a guaranteed right to have his or her partner present to help make important medical decisions, as well as provide comfort. Today, the injustice of hospitals denying these rights to same-sex couples ends.
I have long advocated for equal rights for the LGBT community. In my early days in Congress, I voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. Throughout my career, I have supported important legislation such as the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. I will continue to the fight for LGBT equal rights in the 112th Congress.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
I would imagine though---if Obama doesn't get re-elected in 2012 and we get a Tea Party type member for president--like God forbid, Michelle Bachman---this would be one of those things that would be quickly overturned in such an administration.
I am proud to announce that this past week, a decision by the Obama Administration to extend hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners was finally put into effect. Under this decision, individuals in same-sex relationships are now able to designate their partners as someone eligible to make major medical decisions for them.
In April of 2010, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that ordered HHS to implement rules that would extend equal visitation rights to same-sex partners. Additionally, these rules will ensure that the powers of attorney and advanced care directives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans are honored. By guaranteeing the validity of these legal documents, individuals in same-sex relationships can appoint their partners as their medical proxy without fear of discrimination or a disregard for these documents by the hospital.
HHS finalized and implemented the rules last week. Hospitals that receive Medicaid and Medicare funding — the vast majority of hospitals — must comply with these new regulations or risk losing federal funding. I believe this is an important step forward in promoting equality.
Anytime a loved one is in the hospital — whether for an unexpected injury or long-term illness — it is a stressful situation. During this time of stress and uncertainty, it is important that a patient has a guaranteed right to have his or her partner present to help make important medical decisions, as well as provide comfort. Today, the injustice of hospitals denying these rights to same-sex couples ends.
I have long advocated for equal rights for the LGBT community. In my early days in Congress, I voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. Throughout my career, I have supported important legislation such as the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. I will continue to the fight for LGBT equal rights in the 112th Congress.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
I would imagine though---if Obama doesn't get re-elected in 2012 and we get a Tea Party type member for president--like God forbid, Michelle Bachman---this would be one of those things that would be quickly overturned in such an administration.