Substitute House Bill No. 6913 seeks to enhance protections against discrimination for residents in long-term care facilities based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and HIV status. The bill explicitly prohibits discriminatory practices such as denial of admission, inappropriate room assignments, harassment regarding restroom use, and restrictions on personal expression. It mandates that facilities post a notice regarding non-discrimination policies and develop recordkeeping procedures that respect residents' gender identities and preferred names. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of privacy during personal care and examinations, prohibiting the disclosure of sensitive personal information without consent.

To ensure compliance, the bill empowers the Commissioner of Public Health to impose disciplinary actions, including civil penalties of up to $25,000 for violations. It also requires the development of cultural competency training for staff, focusing on LGBTQ+ issues and the needs of residents living with HIV, with training materials to be created by the Commissioner. The bill reinforces existing discrimination protections under state law and aligns with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, aiming to improve the quality of care for vulnerable populations in long-term care settings. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.