The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) released the 11th edition of its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which scores healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.
A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in this year’s survey, committing to LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. Of facilities surveyed, 418 earned a top score of 100, and received HRC’s coveted “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” designation. In addition, the HRC Foundation proactively researched key policies at more than 900 non-participating hospitals across the nation.
The following Illinois hospitals received an HEI score of 100: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Howard Brown Health, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, VA Edward Hines Jr. Hospital Hines and Rush Oak Park Hospital Oak Park. Other Illinois hospitals listed scored under 100.
The release of the 2018 HEI coincided with the deadline for public comments on the proposed Trump-Pence so-called “conscience” regulation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
See HRC.org/hei.
Related coverage here: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/HRC-Annual-Healthcare-Equality-Index-Honors-Record-626-Health-Care-Facilities/62373.html.