Sarah Krevans, president and CEO of Sutter Health, shares the following message in light of the rule finalized on June 12 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that removes protections for gender identity and sexual orientation from the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act:

“Our commitment to our LGBTQ+ patients, families and employees is unwavering. We remain dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care that is free from discrimination and affirming of gender identity and sexual orientation. Removing protection for gender identity and sexual orientation from the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act is in direct conflict with our values, and increasing barriers to healthcare during a pandemic is unconscionable. These changes will not impact the way we care for our patients, nor do they change our commitment to equitable, inclusive care for everyone we serve, including LGBTQ+ patients and families.

Additionally, I applaud today’s Supreme Court decision protecting the civil rights and legal protection of LGBTQ+ employees across the U.S. There’s no place for discrimination of any type in our country – including our worksites and in healthcare. Sutter Health is proud to operate in one of the most diverse regions in the U.S. It is our mission to respect and serve all.”