Dignity Health’s Battle Over Coverage For Transgender Care Could Be First Of Many Suits
The hospital is arguing that it does not need to cover gender reassignment-related care for one of its nurses, an issue that is likely to spark the next round of battles over religious freedom and the health law.
Modern Healthcare:
Transgender Bias Case Against Dignity Health Could Set Off Religious Freedom Clash
Dignity Health has answered a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a transgender nurse by arguing that civil rights law does not require its self-insured employer health plan to cover gender reassignment-related care. It says Title VII of the Civil Rights Act does not cover transgender status as a protected classification. The San Francisco-based hospital chain also argued last month in response to the closely watched suit—one of the first of its kind in the country—that HHS' May rule barring categorical exclusion of coverage for gender transition services does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2017. (Meyer, 8/10)
In other hospital news —
Fresno Bee:
Groceries Offered In Exchange For Tulare Hospital Bond Voting
Measure I is a proposed $55 million bond that would raise the money to finish the stalled Tulare Regional Medical Center hospital addition....The measure is proving controversial in Tulare Local Health Care District, which includes Tulare and environs, because voters several years ago approved an $85 million bond for the hospital addition that was never completed. (Griswold, 8/11)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
New Hospital To Support Growth
The chief of Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center said the hospital is investing nearly $245 million to build a next generation hospital for the South Bay.During an Aug. 5 meeting in Chula Vista hosted by the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Pablo Velez, hospital CEO and senior vice president, said the new seven-floor tower will be one of the most advanced hospitals in the county, with 10 private intensive care and 138 private patient rooms, six operating rooms, a rooftop café with panoramic views and a room for visitors to spend the night, among other features. (Sampite-Montecalvo, 8/11)