Overview

• Rules now allow VA doctors, psychologists, nurse practitioners and other providers to refuse care based on personal traits not covered by federal law, including political affiliation, marital status and union membership.
• The policy stems from President Trump’s January 30 executive order on ‘gender ideology extremism’ and has been enacted in VA hospitals nationwide.
• Anti-discrimination language protecting patients and staff from refusals over politics and marital status has been removed from VA hospital bylaws.
• Advocates warn the directives may disproportionately harm female, LGBTQ+ and rural veterans who face fewer alternative healthcare options.
• At its annual meeting, the American Medical Association reaffirmed self-governance by urging that any medical staff bylaw amendments receive direct staff approval.