With health care reform still facing bitter opposition in the House of Representatives, the future of health care in the U.S. seems to be drifting in an uncertain, choppy sea. But, at least one thing’s for sure. When it comes to gays and lesbians who’ve had the misfortune to have a loved one land in the hospital, new regulations now require hospitals to allow LGBT partners visiting rights.

The changes were set in motion last year by President Obama in response to the circumstances of Janice Langbehn and Charlene Strong, two lesbians who were not allowed to be with their partners before they passed away because of the hospitals’ restrictive visiting policies. Now, hospitals that want to keep their Medicaid and Medicare funding can’t bar anyone from sitting by their loved one’s side because of sexual orientation. In the past, many hospitals wouldn’t allow visitors if those persons weren’t related to the patient by blood or by marriage—making it very difficult for those devoted spouses who aren’t allowed to be legally married.

Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, commented on the new regulation by saying, “Of all the things same-sex couples have to worry about, of all the discrimination and pressures we face, not being able to see our partner or spouse shouldn't be one of them. This new policy will have a positive impact on same-sex couples and our families throughout the nation.”