BIDMC Earns “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” Designation in HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index

BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has been recognized as a leader in “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) for the 8th consecutive year. The designation was awarded in the 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

The Health Equality Index is an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ people. The survey scores health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. To be named a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader”, HEI participants are given scores in four criteria: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement.

“It is an honor to be recognized again by the Human Rights Campaign as a leader,” said Kevin Tabb, MD, CEO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “BIDMC has a long and proud history of inclusiveness and doing what’s right. We were the first hospital in the nation to institute a ‘Patient Bill of Rights,’ guaranteeing equal access to care for everyone who comes through our doors, and we remain committed to these core values.”

A record 626 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2018 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at more than 900 additional non-participating hospitals. Of those included in the HEI, 418 earned a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation.

“With some of our biggest battles still ahead of us, it is crucial that institutions continue to demonstrate that the march toward full equality is not slowing down,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The 626 participants in this year’s HEI continue this march in partnership with the LGBTQ community and we commend them for their leadership. For over a decade, the HEI has been the roadmap to closing the gap in ensuring equal care to LGBTQ patients and their families, and we urge every health care facility to join us in this continuing effort to provide inclusive care to all.”