Legal issues for transgender individuals

Abstract

Healthcare providers play an important role not only in delivering health care to transgender individuals but also in assisting patients with nonmedical aspects of their treatment for gender dysphoria. Providers must routinely provide documentation for legal gender changes, insurance appeals, medical leave, disability benefits, and more. Providers are also called upon to advocate with schools, employers, insurance companies, and unsupportive family members. Finally, patients may tell providers of legal problems they are experiencing such as discrimination, family law issues, or housing barriers. Providers with a basic understanding of transgender legal rights are in a better position to engage in effective advocacy as well as encourage people to seek out legal assistance and assert their rights.