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VA Houston health care employees receive training in clinical care that is responsive to the unique needs of LGBQ+ Veterans. Our trained LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinators are fully equipped

to support the health, welfare, and dignity of you and your family. POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO KNOW The care coordinator can help you get started with care or with navigating any of these

issues. VISITATION: A same-sex partner, family member, friend, or other individual can be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the patient's stay.

DEFINITION OF FAMILY: "Family" may include individual(s) not legally related to the individual. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, different-sex and same-sex

significant others. ADVANCE DIRECTIVES: Veterans may designate any person as a decision-maker for care if they won't be able to make these decisions themselves. This includes same-sex

partners. Advance directive agents are chosen by the Veteran and do not need to be biologically related. DOCUMENTATION IN MEDICAL RECORDS: VA Houston maintains the confidentiality of

information about sexual orientation and sexual behavior. CHANGING NAME OR SEX IN RECORDS: You have the right to request that your name and sex are updated as appropriate. There are

established procedures for changing your name and sex with the VA Privacy Officer.