January 10, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Maureen S. O’Leary, 415-255-4547, moleary@glma.org

Medical Association Releases New Guidelines for the Treatment of LGBTI Patients

SAN FRANCISCO – The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) today released a set of guidelines for physicians and others who provide health care to the public. "Creating a Safe Clinical Environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Patients," is the first comprehensive look at the specific steps providers should take to gain competency in health care delivery to LGBTI people.

"Serious health disparities exist for the LGBTI population," said GLMA President Kenneth A. Haller, Jr., MD. "This fact has been verified by several studies, and has been documented by the federal government. Many of us delay care, or we receive inappropriate or inferior care because of real or perceived discrimination based sexual orientation or gender identity. This needs to change. When someone seeks medical care, they are entitled to informed, nonjudgmental treatment. For the most part, LGBTI people are not getting it."

The eight-page GLMA document covers a broad range of issues – including how to create a welcoming office environment, educate staff, conduct culturally sensitive interviews, and develop knowledge about the specific health issues that face members of the LGBTI community. The guidelines also include a sample intake form and a list of additional resources.

"What we’ve learned," Haller said, "is that almost everyone in our field wants to provide the best health care possible to everyone. Unfortunately, not everyone understands how to do that when it comes to LGBTI patients. GLMA has now provided a tool that can help develop this kind of competency. It is important, and it’s free."

Copies of the Guidelines are available online at http://www.glma.org and by calling 415-255-4547.

You can find the guidelines here:

http://www.glma.org/medical/clinica..._guidelines.pdf

Betsy's note...it's about time.

__________________
Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is. --Margaret Mitchell