North Carolina hospitals can no longer discriminate based on gender identity

As of January 1st, the North Carolina Patient Bill of Rights has been changed to include a prohibition on discriminating against patients based on gender identity.

“The updated non-discrimination rule in the Patient’s Bill of Rights will help ensure that transgender patients know their rights and health care providers know they must provide the same level of care to all patients regardless of their gender identity,” Ian Palmquist, Equality North Carolina’s executive director, said in a release.

These kinds of non-discrimination policies are key for ensuring everyone equal access to health care services. Congrats to my home state for taking this important step to protect the rights of trans and gender non-conforming folks.

The updated rules also replaced the term “sexual preference” with “sexual orientation.”

Via qnotes