On June 28, 2010, CMS published a proposed rule that would revise the Medicare conditions of participation for hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) to ensure the visitation rights of all patients, including visitors who are same-sex domestic partners.. Medicare- and Medicaid-participating hospitals and CAHs would be required to have written policies and procedures regarding the visitation rights of patients, including any clinically-necessary or reasonable limitation that the facility may need to place on such rights (as well as the reasons for the limitation). The patient would have the right to receive the visitors whom he or she designates, including, but not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend. Visitors chosen by the patient (or his or her representative) must be able to enjoy visitation privileges that are no more restrictive than those for immediate family members. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until August 27, 2010.