Preventing Same-Sex Couples Hospital Visitation Rights

[Cin]

Originally Posted by Corkey

Unless one has prior documentation of power of attorney and a living will, I live in a state such as you describe.

So the quote from the HHS updated guidelines that say if there is a state law then hospitals do not have to give deference to patient's wishes concerning their representatives, whether expressed in writing, orally or through other evidence does not extend to documentation of power of attorney and a living will? Are not these things expressed in writing, orally or through other evidence? I guess I get nervous when i see wording that appears cryptic. If it's open to interpretation, if it's even remotely ambiguous, i fear the religious right will be all over it. It appears a loophole big enough to have a tea party in.