UCLA Health System has been recognized as one of the “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.
The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2014, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans, and recognizes healthcare institutions doing the best work.
The UCLA Health System earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.
“The UCLA Health System is committed to providing quality care to all of our patients, and we believe that the Healthcare Equality Index is a unique resource for health care organizations to use as a guidepost in providing equitable, inclusive care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients,” said Dr. David Feinberg, president of the UCLA Health System. “We decided to participate in the 2013 survey to gain more knowledge through the sharing of best health care practices and policies for LGBT patients and to demonstrate our commitment to equal care for all patients, in keeping with our mission of healing humankind one patient at a time.”
UCLA Health System was among a select group of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.
“Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality change the lives of LGBT patients and their families for the better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, HRC president. “LGBT people should be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates UCLA Health System for its tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.