The UCLA Health System has been named a "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" in the Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) organization.
The health system earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing adequate health care. UCLA applied for the distinction to demonstrate its commitment to the goals of human rights, education, outreach and a better understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals in the community and within its health system.
"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 LGBTQ+ 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."
Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria for equitable care, including non-discrimination policies for LGBTQ+ patients, non-discrimination policies for employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and training for staff in LGBTQ+ patient–centered care. The UCLA Health System was one of a select group of 464 health care facilities nationwide to be named "equality leaders" by meeting all four core criteria.
"LGBTQ+ patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a 'Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality,'" said Shane Snowdon, the Human Rights Campaign's health and aging director. "It makes a big difference to know that your local health care facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers."
The Health Equality Index survey asked each institution to respond to such questions as whether its employee non-discrimination policy and its patient non-discrimination policy or bill of rights include such terms as "sexual orientation" and "gender identity"; whether its visitation policy explicitly grants equal visitation to LGBTQ+ patients and their visitors; and whether its staff receives training in LGBTQ+ patient–centered care.
LGBTQ+ patients are able to access and search the report to learn which institutions have participated in the Health Equality Index and which have been designated as "equality leaders." To get more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.
Read more and watch a video about how UCLA is working to improve the health care experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The UCLA Health System has for more than half a century provided the best in health care and the latest in medical technology to the people of Los Angeles and the world. Comprised of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Health - Santa Monica Medical Center, the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital and the UCLA Medical Group, with its wide-reaching system of primary care and specialty care offices throughout the region, the UCLA Health System is among the most comprehensive and advanced health care systems in the world. For information about clinical programs or help in choosing a personal physician, call 800-UCLA-MD1 or visit www.uclahealth.org.
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