News to me as well. I distinctly remember a patient I worked with about 20 years ago who was dying from AIDS. His partner was as devoted as present continuously. He was as devoted as any heterosexual partner I’ve seen. He told me they had been partners 30 or 40 years. No one ever told him to stay away. Go figure. I’ve seen it repeated in hospitals I worked at as well - many times. When someone was dying (or just ill or whatever), the nurses and other staff want loved ones nearby. I have yet to see someone thrown out because they weren’t “officially” part of the family.
Oops - forgive the double post. Board hiccuped on me.