The White House  issued a memorandum to the Department of Health and Human Services asking that they develop a Medicare and Medicaid rule, ”Respecting the Rights of Hospital Patients to Receive Visitors and to Designate Surrogate Decision Makers for Medical Emergencies,” an issue important to gay and lesbian partners and many single individuals .

Noting that “there are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital,” the President asked that a three-step plan be pursued. Read the details here.