A public hospital in Massachusetts has issued a warning that patients who violate their new code of conduct by using “racist” or “discriminatory” words or body language could be told to seek non-emergency medical care elsewhere.
In early January, Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC) implemented a new “patient and visitor code of conduct” which describes a list of ‘microaggressions’ that could serve as grounds for denial of treatment.
A video featuring Chief Medical Officer Peter B. Smulowitz explaining the code and its ramifications was featured in the announcement.
“Words or actions that are disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, hostile or harassing are not welcome and will not be tolerated,” MRMC says.
Examples of violations include, “offensive comments about others’ race, ethnicity, accent, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other personal traits,” along with “refusal to see a clinician or other staff member based on these personal traits.”
“Please recognize that body language and tone of voice are also important parts of communication,” MRMC cautions potential visitors and patients.
MRMC states that a person deemed to have violated any part of the code will be “given the chance to explain your point of view,” which will also come under review “before we make any decisions about future care at Milford Regional.”
“Some violations of this Code may lead to patients being asked to make other plans for their care. For serious or repeated violations, future non emergency care and visitation rights at Milford Regional may require review, though we expect this to be rare,” the hospital warns.
Social media users have expressed shock and outrage at the notion a public hospital could potentially deny treatment on such grounds.
Why would anyone send a loved one to this butcher shop? If you misgender the 6’3″ 250 pound bearded nurse they send you out the door.
— The Bruiser (@DrHoosierHermit) January 17, 2024
“The doctor better put his tender feelings away and consult with the hospital attorneys, because he works for a public state hospital that accepts state funds that are funneled to the state from federal tax dollars. That means they don’t have the same protections that a private hospital would have regarding services offered or refusal of services. He’s walking a very thin line with his threats,” one user wrote in response to an article published by Fox News.
Comments for MRMC’s video featuring Smulowitz have been turned off on the hospital’s YouTube page and it is currently “unlisted.”
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