The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation that evaluates hospitals and healthcare systems on their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, practices, and training. It's one of the most rigorous third-party assessments available, and PrideMD uses HEI ratings as a key component of our Safety Scores.
What the HEI Measures
The HEI evaluates facilities on four core criteria:
1. Patient Non-Discrimination Policy
Does the facility's patient non-discrimination policy explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity? Practices must have this in writing, not just in spirit.
2. Visitation and Relationship Recognition
Does the facility allow same-sex partners and chosen family as visitors and healthcare decision-makers? This matters especially for patients who are estranged from biological family.
3. Employment Non-Discrimination
Does the facility have explicit employment protections for LGBTQ+ staff? Facilities that protect their employees tend to create more welcoming environments for patients.
4. Training and Development
Do staff receive training in LGBTQ+ patient care, including cultural competency, transgender-inclusive care practices, and anti-discrimination policies?
HEI Rating Tiers
- HEI Leader (Top Performer): Meets all criteria plus additional best practices
- Gold: Exceeds basic criteria on multiple measures
- Silver: Meets basic criteria
- Bronze: Partially meets criteria
- Not Rated: Did not participate in survey
How PrideMD Uses HEI Ratings
Providers affiliated with HEI Gold or Silver rated facilities receive +3 points on their PrideMD Safety Score. Combined with GLMA directory listings (+4 pts), self-reported affirmation (+2 pts), and location factors (+1 pt), this creates a composite score that helps patients make informed choices.
Limitations of HEI
HEI rates institutions, not individual providers. A Gold-rated hospital may still have individual providers who are less welcoming. Conversely, excellent affirming providers work at facilities that haven't participated in HEI. PrideMD's composite score accounts for this by using multiple data sources.
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