Politics / President Obama Obama Gives Gays Hospital Rights Partners can visit, have medical power of attorney By John Johnson, Newser Staff Posted Apr 15, 2010 7:16 PM CDT Copied President Obama speaks at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in Miami Thursday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Gays have won a long-sought victory: President Obama has ordered hospitals to allow same-sex partners to visit and have medical power of attorney, the Washington Post reports. He signed the order tonight and it will be made public tomorrow. Hospitals would jeopardize their Medicare and Medicaid funding if they refuse to comply. (More President Obama stories.) Report an error