Safe Zone certification program
At Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), we are driven by our vision: to improve health and well-being by leading access to high quality, affordable, and equitable care. In line with this vision, we strive to make appropriate care more available to all our members, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Through the Safe Zone program, we help our members find providers who have formally committed to create affirming and welcoming spaces, adhering to standards that reflect best practices in LGBTQ+ inclusive care. The Safe Zone program certifies healthcare providers and community-based organizations that adhere to these best practices and identify themselves as supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.
Benefits of certification
- Certified Safe Zones are listed in our Safe Zone directory, which is available and widely promoted to our members and the public as a resource.
- Certification is an opportunity to formally commit to and engage staff around LGBTQ+ inclusive best practices.
- Certification criteria outline a framework of best practices, and BCBSRI can provide resources and support to help you meet those certification criteria.
Certification criteria
Certification criteria include affirming the patient's identity throughout the visit, providing staff training related to LGBTQ+ inclusive care, ensuring policies and procedures are inclusive, making gender-neutral restrooms available, and providing resources to support LGBTQ+ people.
Please review the Safe Zone certification checklist for full criteria
Application process
- Review the Safe Zone Criteria checklist to ensure you meet the requirements. Implement changes to your training, procedures, or physical space as needed. For support, contact bcbsrisafezone@bcbsri.com.
- Fill out an application before the annual deadline: December 15. We review applications after the deadline, and you will receive certification status within weeks after review.
- Once certified, you will receive a customized plaque and other display materials. You will also be listed in our Safe Zone directory.
FAQs
Any healthcare practice, clinic, or organization in Rhode Island that provides health services and is committed to creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals can apply.
No, there is currently no fee to apply for or maintain Safe Zone certification.
To become certified, all patient-facing staff must complete training specific to welcoming and affirming care for LGBTQ+ people. We encourage applicants to find training that works best for them. BCBSRI does not provide training but can offer recommendations.
Certified Safe Zones must recertify annually. Following the first year of certification, Safe Zones must simply attest that all criteria are being met. For the second year of recertification, Safe Zones must complete the full application and submit documentation.
Applicants must submit documentation that demonstrates compliance with the Safe Zone criteria. This may include training certificates, photos of signage or gender-neutral restrooms, copies of inclusive policies, and other relevant materials. Please review the checklist to understand required documentation.
If your facility does not yet meet all the criteria, BCBSRI can provide guidance and resources to help you make the necessary changes. Once changes are made to meet all criteria, BCBSRI will approve certification.
Yes, if you need to make updates or submit additional documentation after applying, please contact us at bcbsrisafezone@bcbsri.com.
Training resources
Online
- Training offered by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. ("Achieving Health Equity for LGBTQIA People" is recommended.)
- Remote training provided by Human Rights Campaign or other HRC-approved trainings.
Conferences
- RI Trans Health Conference
- GLMA Annual Conference