Parental Leave Policies in the Top 20 US Hospitals: A Call for Inclusivity and Improvement

• DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0010
• Publication Date: 2023-05-10T15:14:13Z
• Authors: Molly B. Kraus; Aqsa Khan; Natalie Strand; Shivani G. Mukkamala; Kaley B. McMullen; Camara M. Sharperson; Monica W. Harbell
• Keywords: Parental Leave

To evaluate and compare parental leave policies from the top United States (US) hospitals with a focus on inclusivity of all types parents.In September October 2021, 20 US hospitals, ranked by 2021 News & World report, were evaluated. Parental obtained reviewed through hospitals' public websites. Hospitals' Human Relations (HR) departments contacted to confirm policies. Hospital scored against rubric created authors.Among (21 total hospitals), 17 (81%) had publicly available policies, one policy was contacting HR. Fourteen 18 (77.8%) distinctive short-term disability offered paid paternity or partner leave. Thirteen (72.2%) for parents whose children carried surrogacy. included adoptive parents; however, only five (27.8%) specifically foster parents. The average birthing mothers 7.9 weeks compared 6.6 nonbirthing Only three same parents.While few have that are inclusive equivalent parents, many do not represent an area improvement. As healthcare industry leaders, these should strive care their employees high standards they set caring patients.