LGBTQ Health Equity at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for our patients, visitors, and associates. MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been named a "Leader in LGBTQ Health Equity" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) report is a biennial survey published by the HRC Foundation. Our facility earned top marks for our policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients and their families. These policies include patient and employment non-discrimination, visitation, and cultural competency training for staff.

Visit the Healthcare Equality Index website for more information or to download a free copy of the report.

We inform our patients of their right to designate any person of their choice, including an unmarried partner, as a medical decision-maker. We partner with external LGBTQ organizations to assess and address LGBTQ health needs. We're committed to LGBTQ health-related research. 

What We Offer for LGBTQ Health

• Our electronic health record can capture pertinent information that may differ from your sex assigned at birth (e.g., preferred name and pronouns, gender identity) alongside vital details still critical to providing safe and quality clinical care.

• The visitation policy includes explicit language granting equal visitation to LGBTQ patients and their visitors.

• We offer a variety of transgender-specific clinical services.

• We provide "All Gender" restrooms with appropriate designation signage.

At MedStar Washington, equitable treatment and inclusion is how we treat people.