Patient Non-Discrimination Policies
Discrimination in healthcare settings not only negatively affects the patient at the time of the incident but it also discourages the patient from accessing healthcare in the future. Implementing a patient non-discrimination policy that includes both "sexual orientation" and "gender identity and/or expression" is a crucial step in assuring fair and equitable treatment for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patients.
- GLMA's Non-Discrimination Guidelines for Hospitals (2008) [PDF]
This document includes a sample Patients' Bill of Rights statement as well as sample language for a hospital non-discrimination policy.
Sample Hospital Non-Discrimination Policies
- UCSF Medical Center
"It is the policy of UCSF Medical Center not to engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment or patient care with UCSF Medical Center on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical, mental or other disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). Non-discrimination information is available in an alternate form of communication to meet the needs of people with sensory impairments" (UCSF Medical Center Pre-Admission Information, 2007).
