Most states already have laws in place protecting patients from being discriminated against in healthcare settings on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, etc. Patients’ Bills of Rights and similar protections should be expanded to ensure that patients cannot be denied care based on their source of income, source of payment, or profession. Not only will this ensure that patients cannot be discriminated against, but it will also help erode stigma in healthcare settings and ensure that sex workers feel that they can safely seek healthcare services.
Example 1 - Rhode Island H5428 (2023)
Struck through text was removed from the law, underlined text was added.
SECTION 1. Section 23-17-19.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17 entitled "Licensing of Healthcare Facilities" is hereby amended to read as follows:
23-17-19.1. Rights of patients.
(13) The patient shall be offered treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, national origin, or source of payment shall not be denied appropriate care on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, source of income, source of payment or profession.
Example 2 - New Hampshire HB1639 (2020)
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39:61 Health Facility Licensure; Patients' Bill of Rights. Amend RSA 151:21, XVI to read as follows:
XVI. The patient shall not be denied appropriate care on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or source of payment, nor shall any such care be denied on account of the patient's sexual orientation age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, source of income, source of payment, or profession.