Gays applaud a new cultural roadmap for hospitals

The nation's hospitals have a new roadmap for how to deliver culturally sensitive, nondiscriminatory care. And it includes advising hospitals to recognize same-sex partners as family members, even in states where gay marriage is illegal.

Gay rights activists praised the document released this week by the Joint Commission accrediting group, based in Oakbrook Terrace. It's aimed at improving medical treatment for diverse groups, including gays and lesbians, foreign-speakers and people with low health literacy.

Recommendations in the 102-page document include urging hospitals to ask patients about language preferences, and if they have cultural or religious beliefs that might influence their treatment.

Joint Commission surveyors will begin assessing hospital's compliance with the recommendations in January.