Report: More Hospitals Banning Discrimination Against LGBT Patients

A growing number of U.S. hospitals have adopted policies that specifically prohibit discrimination against bisexual, gay and lesbian patients, according to an annual report released Tuesday by the Human Rights Campaign, the Washington Post reports.

For the report, researchers surveyed 122 respondents, representing 407 hospitals and clinics. They found that more than 95% of the hospitals listed sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies and about 80% said their facilities included gender identity.

The survey also found that more than 65% of inpatient hospitals had specific policies that extended visitation rights to same-sex partners. In all, 234 facilities received perfect scores for anti-discrimination policies, ensuring equal visitation rights and providing training to staff to treat bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender individuals.

However, the report noted that some facilities still had discriminatory policies. For example, 34% of facilities that ask about marital status during the admitting process do not offer "partner" or "significant other" options.

The survey results indicate the growing trend of nondiscriminatory care, according to HRC. The Obama administration in 2010 ordered nearly all hospitals to grant equal visitation rights to same-sex partners. In 2011, the Joint Commission issued new rules specifically banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the Post (Sun, Washington Post, 6/19).