Glossary
Standards of Care
The Standards of Care are internationally used clinical guidelines from WPATH that describe recommended, evidence-informed health care for transgender and gender-diverse people.
Standards of Care (SOC) most often refers to the clinical guidelines published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). They set out recommended assessment and treatment for transgender and gender-diverse people across the lifespan, covering mental health, hormone therapy, surgery, reproductive and preventive care, voice and communication, and care for children and adolescents. First published in 1979, the guidelines have been revised several times, with Version 8 (SOC-8) released in September 2022. Newer editions added chapters on adolescents, nonbinary people, and eunuch individuals, in line with a more affirming and research-informed approach. Clinicians worldwide use the SOC to guide care and to help patients navigate readiness and insurance requirements, though the guidelines remain the subject of ongoing clinical debate.