: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement  

•   To give equal access to non-traditional couples and their families in publically funded hospitals.    

Policy Options / Program Models   

•  Health Care Equality Index works with the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. In May 2008 they rated 88 healthcare facilities regarding LGBT individuals. HEI focused on five main points listed below. The report provides policy models and statistics on hospitals that implement these GLBT policies. (1) -Each of the five policy options below should receive their own detailed profile using the single policy option / model program profile template.
  • Patient Non Discrimination Policy that includes fair treatment regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Visitation Rights Policies - Allows GLBT domestic partners same access of visitation rights as spouses and next of kin. Will also allow same access for same-sex parents as opposite-sex parents in visiting their children.
  • Decision Making Policies - Grants GLBT domestic partners decision-making authority for their hospitalized partner and their children.
  • Equal employment Policy which includes health benefits
  • Cultural Competency Training

Issue Briefs 

• Healthcare Access for Non-Traditional Couples - USA

• Healthcare Access for Non-Traditional Couples - Kansas

• Healthcare Access for Non-Traditional Couples - Topeka, KS

Glossary of Terms

• Non-Traditional couple- Any couple (homosexual or heterosexual) who does not have the same or full rights as a heterosexual married couple. This may include: common law, domestic partnerships, civil unions, and even legal same-sex marriage that is not recognized by all 50 states.
• LGBT- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
• Sexual Orientation - An individual’s enduring physical, romantic, emotional and/or spiritual attraction to another person. (2)
• Gender Identity - Individual’s internal, personal sense of being a man or woman. Transsexual individuals are assigned sex t at birth and their own internal sense of gender identity does not match. Transgender people may be heterosexual, lesbian, gay or bisexual. (3)