Systemwide Policy on Healthcare Organization Affiliations

UC Health has implemented an important policy regarding how the university partners with outside healthcare organizations. Effective December 1, 2023, this policy applies to all university affiliations with entities that have "policy-based restrictions" on healthcare. These restrictions, which are not limited to religious organizations, prevent doctors and health professionals from delivering certain types of evidence-based prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The core goal of this policy is to ensure that UC's deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, accountability, and evidence-based medicine is never compromised when partnering with outside groups.

Under the rules, any agreement with an outside healthcare organization must prioritize independent clinical judgment and patient care. Specifically, agreements must feature a UC Non-Discrimination Addendum and guarantee that medical decisions are guided strictly by evidence-based standards. Furthermore, UC personnel and trainees (such as residents and fellows) retain the full right to make independent clinical choices, provide any medically necessary services, and transfer or refer patients to other facilities whenever they deem it necessary. If an outside organization's rules conflict with UC's core values, the university maintains the right to terminate the agreement.