This bill amends existing law to clarify the training requirements for staff at long-term care facilities regarding the care of LGBTQI seniors and seniors living with HIV. It mandates that each facility ensure that administrators and staff receive training at least biennially on topics such as preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as best practices for communicating with LGBTQI seniors. The bill specifies that the training must include definitions of relevant terms, an overview of health and social challenges faced by these populations, and strategies for creating a safe environment.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that each long-term care facility must designate two employees—one from management and one from direct care staff—to receive in-person training from an expert entity within six months of the bill's effective date. These designated employees will then be responsible for training the remaining staff using the materials provided by the training entity. The bill also requires facilities to maintain records of training completion and assumes the cost of providing this training. The language regarding the training entity's expertise has been modified to reflect these changes, ensuring that the focus remains on creating a supportive environment for LGBTQI seniors and those living with HIV.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-12.106