Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has earned the “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 13th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

“We are proud to receive this recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation," said Louis A. Shapiro, HSS president and CEO. "It indicates we are fulfilling our mission to provide the highest quality of care for all and affirms our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and their families. “

Every year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes health care facilities that participate in the HEI for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. In order to receive the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation, an institution must receive the maximum score of 100 points on the Healthcare Equality Index survey, which evaluates hospitals and health care facilities on LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. The survey covers four key areas: nondiscrimination policies and staff training; patient services and support; employee benefits and policies; and patient and community engagement.

Health care facilities are “making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”

“This designation is in line with our HSS values of diversity and inclusion, which underscore our commitment to equity and a sense of belonging for patients, employees and communities,” said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, HSS surgeon-in-chief and medical director. “We will continue to address health care disparities that affect vulnerable communities so we can continue to provide everyone with the outstanding, patient-centered care they deserve."

HSS has worked to ensure that best practices are in place to provide patient-centered care for LGBTQ+ patients and their families, according to Melissa Flores, outcomes manager in the Department of Social Work Programs at HSS. For example, both patient and employee non-discrimination policies specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the HSS visitation policy is LGBTQ+ inclusive.

HSS has a hospital-wide LGBTQ+ Committee, with Susan Flics, vice president of Operations as the executive sponsor and Jillian Rose, PhD., director of Community Engagement, Diversity and Research as the team leader. “This is a multidisciplinary group of leaders who are committed to planning, creating and implementing appropriate education interventions, guidelines, and policies that promote the highest quality patient experiences for LGBTQ+ patients,” Ms. Flics explains. “It also promotes a working environment that reflects dignity and respect for our employees who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.”

All staff are required to complete a mandatory LGBTQ+ sensitivity training each year as a part of the annual staff development modules. In addition, department-specific training is conducted across the board for both clinical and nonclinical staff.

“Just last year, more than 700 staff were trained in person on Fostering an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Environment, which covers LGBTQ+ health disparities, federal and state regulations, HSS policies, and best practices for providing care to LGBTQ+ patients and their loved ones,” Dr. Rose noted. “Additionally, HSS staff completed 150-plus hours of training over the last two years—above and beyond what is required for the HEI application.”

Over the years, HSS has also deepened its commitment to integrating preferred name, pronouns, gender identity and sexual orientation data collection into the electronic medical record, according to Ms. Rose.

For the past three years, HSS has been a proud sponsor of the NYC Pride March, highlighting its commitment to caring for and supporting LGBTQ+ patients and HSS employees.

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Right Campaign Foundation is the education arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.