R^3 Report (Requirement, Rationale, Reference)
February 2011 | The Joint Commission
“"Studies of lesbian and bisexual women indicated that disclosing sexual orientation to their physicians would negatively affect their health care."”
This report emphasizes the importance of communication between a patient and health care provider. It addresses the issue that disclosure of one's sexual orientation can potentially affect quality of health care but also reaffirms that there are several federal laws in place that protect patients from various forms of discrimination. The non-discrimination requirement in health care emphasizes the importance of providing LGBT individuals with equitable care in hospitals, clinics, and health care facilities nationwide.