Healthcare Equality Index Rating Criteria
The Healthcare Equality Index measures how equitably healthcare facilities in the United States treat their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and employees. The index focuses on four main policy categories: patient non-discrimination; visitation; cultural competence training; and employment non-discrimination.
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 or expression
[Patient Non-Discrimination Policies]
2. Visitation Policies
a. Visitation policies grant same-sex couples (partners/spouses/significant others) the same access as different-sex couples and next-of-kin
b. Visitation policies grant same-sex parents the same access as different-sex parents for visitation of their minor children
[Visitation Policies]
3. Cultural Competency Training and Client Services
Cultural competency training that addresses healthcare issues related to LGBT community
[LGBT Cultural Competence]
4. Employment Policies and Benefits
a. Non-discrimination policy, sexual orientation
[Equal employment opportunity policies]
b. Non-discrimination policy, gender identity or expression
[Equal employment opportunity policies]
