Nursing Admissions/Admitting Nurse In Gay Marriage States

As gay marriage will now be legal as of this Sunday in NYS my mind wondered about something.

In states where such things are already legal do hospitals has admitting personnel/paper work switched to the more general query regarding "spouse" rather than the old fashioned "husband" or "wife"?
Wouldn't they still be considered a husband or wife if they are legally married?Only if they are not able to marry have I heard folks refer to their significant other as their partner.

A male's legal partner is his husband. A female's legal partner is her wife. "Spouse" would be simpler for forms if it doesn't matter the gender.

We should always say partner, to everyone, regardless. I recommend crossing out whatever nomenclature appears on paperwork and replacing it with "partner" in all instances.

Quote from linearthinkerWe should always say partner, to everyone, regardless. I recommend crossing out whatever nomenclature appears on paperwork and replacing it with "partner" in all instances.

Definitely not husband and wife... (this response is coming from the source)

I think "spouse" would be appropriate because it's already in common use and carries the legal connotation. It is also respectful of those who do not feel comfortable using gendered terms like "husband" and "wife".On another note, way to go New York! I'm still excited about the great strides they made for equal rights.

"Partner" is the preferred nomenclature. It should become universal because it's ambiguity assumes nothing.

Maybe they can use the title my better half has......designated check casher and financial utilization coordinator. She pretty good at her job too.

We use "Spouse/Significant Other" as the same interchangeable term on admission where I work. At least by our state law, it doesn't matter if a significant other is legally married or not since our order of Medical decision making rights goes: 1) Spouse 2)Significant Other 3)Adult child, etc. Whether legally married thy still have primary decision making rights, and as far as I know there are no differences in disclosure of information; whether a spouse or significant other the same privacy rules apply.

I've almost always used "SO" in my documentation - even when describing heterosexual relationships. I'll occassionally throw "spouse". I rarely use 'husband/wife'.cheers,

Quote from Roy FokkerI've almost always used "SO" in my documentation - even when describing heterosexual relationships. I'll occassionally throw "spouse". I rarely use 'husband/wife'.cheers,

It's a tough oneHere in PC Australia many coworkers use 'partner' for all relationships.However many older p'ts and families and also more traditional younger people find that offensive.If they are older and married .... I usually say 'husband and wife'If I think they are gay .... I nearly always say 'partner' (though sometimes they don't like this and prefer spouse)If they are young , unmarried and have a partner .... it's 'partner' if I think they are a PC more liberal type. But if they are young and unmarried and have a partner .... it's 'boyfriend /girlfriend' if they not so PC and right wing type. They laugh if I say 'partner' and make some kind of joke ( golf partner / poker partner /fishing partner ... I know .....sexual partner .... big laughs)What I've have learned ..... use the terms people prefer and avoid the arbitary use of 'partner', 'spouse', 'husband/wife', girlfriend/boyfriend'.With documentation - only spouse, partner, family member or friend (no girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife)