New York AG Takes on Transgender Discrimination in Health Care

ALBANY, N.Y. - New York's attorney general has started a program to ensure transgender individuals have equal access to health care.

Eric Schneiderman's office announced the initiative Friday.

Staffers with the attorney general's Civil Rights Bureau will conduct training sessions at hospitals and medical centers around the state to discuss the best ways to ensure the rights of transgender patients are respected.

Schneiderman's office says too many transgender Americans report being harassed or denied care because of their gender identity.

Kenneth Raske, president of the Greater New York Hospitals Foundation, says his organization's member hospitals are "proud" to work with the state to ensure all patients receive the best care.

A measure to prohibit discrimination against transgender people when it comes to jobs, apartments, schools and public accommodations is pending in the Legislature.