HHS issues guidance on civil rights protections for gender affirming care

The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights yesterday issued guidance on federal civil rights protections and health privacy laws that apply to gender affirming care. 

“As a law enforcement agency, OCR is investigating and, where appropriate, enforcing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act cases involving discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in accordance with all applicable law,” the guidance notes. “This means that if people believe they have been discriminated against in a health program or activity that receives financial assistance from HHS, they can file a complaint.”