PVAMC Lesbian Gay Bisexual And Transgender Veterans

Program Description

The Providence VA Medical Center is committed to providing top quality care to all eligible Veterans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Veterans.  We recognize that diverse populations have distinctive needs, and we train our staff in culturally and clinically-competent care for LGBT Veterans.

The Providence VAMC is focused on providing the most respectful health care environment possible.   A new policy has just been put in place; some relevant policies and services are discussed briefly below: 

Non-discrimination: Our non-discrimination policy has specific language that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Visitation: We allow for a same-sex partner, family member, friend, or other individual to be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of their stay. Same-sex partners are recognized as the patient’s family, even if the partners are not legally married.

Advanced Directives: Patients may designate any person as a decision-maker for care should you become unable to make these decisions yourself.  This includes designating a same-sex partner as a surrogate decision maker.  Advanced Directive agents are chosen by the Veteran and do not need to be biologically related.

Documentation in Medical Records: The Providence VAMC maintains the confidentiality of information about sexual orientation and sexual behavior, as it does with all other private health information.

Interdisciplinary Transgender Treatment Team:  The Providence VAMC has a designated provider who have been trained on the healthcare needs of transgender Veterans.   

Concerns and/or Complaints: If you feel you are not being provided with compassionate care at the Providence VAMC, we encourage you to make your concerns known. Concerns regarding a specific service (e.g., Mental Health, Primary Care) should be directed to the corresponding contact person for that service. This information can be easily found on this website through the Services page. In addition, you are encouraged to discuss your concerns with the Patient Advocate.

Below are additional resources related to LGBT healthcare needs and services: 

VHA Directive 2013-03 

LGBT Program - Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)

10 Things Lesbians Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider

10 Things Gay Men Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider 

10 Things Bisexuals Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider 

10 Things Transgender Persons Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider

https://www.glma.org/

Transgender Americans Veterans Association 

Contact Info

PVAMC Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Veterans

401-273-7100 Ext. 3293