HEI Rating Criteria
The Healthcare Equality Index measures how equitably hospitals in the United States treat their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patients and employees. The index focuses on five main policy categories: patient non-discrimination; hospital visitation; decision making; cultural competence training; and employee services and benefits.
Rating Criteria
1. Patient Non-Discrimination Policies
a. "Patients' Bill of Rights" and/or non-discrimination policy, sexual orientation
b. "Patients' Bill of Rights" and/or non-discrimination policy, gender identity and/or expression
[Patient Non-Discrimination Policies]
2. Hospital Visitation Policies
a. Written visitation policy that allows GLBT domestic partners the same access as spouses and next-of-kin
b. Written visitation policy that allows same-sex parents the same access as opposite-sex parents for visitation of their minor children
[Hospital Visitation Policies]
3. Decision-Making Policies
a. Written policy that recognizes advance healthcare directives granting GLBT domestic partners decision-making authority for their hospitalized domestic partner
b. Written policy that allows same-sex parents the same rights as opposite-sex parents for medical decision making for their minor children
[Decision-Making Policies]
4. Cultural Competency and Diversity Policies and Services
a. Diversity or cultural competence training that addresses issues related to GLBT patients and their families
[GLBT Cultural Competence]
5. Employee Services and Benefits
a. Non-discrimination policy, sexual orientation
[Equal employment opportunity policies]
b. Non-discrimination policy, gender identity and/or expression
[Equal employment opportunity policies]
c. Domestic Partner Health Insurance
[Domestic Partner Benefits]
