LGBTQ+ patients face very significant challenges
in health care: 56 percent of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people report
experiences of serious discrimination, while 70 percent of transgender
people report serious discrimination. In response, CMS and The Joint
Commission have issued requirements for LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion. The
HEI is an annual online survey designed to meet the needs of all health
care organizations seeking to provide optimal care to LGBTQ+ patients
and to meet CMS and Joint Commission requirements related to this
underserved population. The survey rates hospitals and health care
facilities on policies and best practices in LGBTQ+ patient-centered
care in four key areas: non-discrimination and staff training; patient
services and support; employee benefits and policies; and patient and
community engagement.