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HB 6597

AN ACT CONCERNING THE STANDARDS OF CARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Raghib Allie-Brennan and 5 co-sponsors

HB 6597 - An Act Concerning the Standards of Care for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community in Long-Term Care Facilities OverviewBill Number: HB 6597 Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE STANDA

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#genderidentityorexpression #longtermcarefacilities
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Bill Summary · HB 6597

HB 6597 - An Act Concerning the Standards of Care for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community in Long-Term Care Facilities

Overview

Bill Number: HB 6597
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE STANDARDS OF CARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Status: REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
Introduced: January 24, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to establish comprehensive standards of care and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals residing in long-term care facilities. The legislation is intended to address the unique challenges and discrimination often faced by LGBTQ+ older adults and ensure they receive inclusive, affirming, and culturally competent care.

Key Provisions

  • Requires long-term care facilities to implement LGBTQ+-inclusive policies, staff training, and resident assessment procedures
  • Prohibits discrimination in admissions, services, or activities based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
  • Mandates the creation of LGBTQ+-specific programming, support groups, and social activities
  • Ensures residents have the right to choose their room assignments and roommates regardless of gender identity
  • Requires facilities to use residents' preferred names, pronouns, and honorifics
  • Establishes a state-level LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Ombudsman to investigate complaints and monitor compliance

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • LGBTQ+ older adults and residents of long-term care facilities would benefit from increased protections, inclusive services, and affirming environments
  • Long-term care providers would be required to update policies, train staff, and make operational changes to comply with the new standards
  • State and local agencies overseeing long-term care would have expanded responsibilities to enforce the new requirements

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health for consideration. If passed by the committee, it would then proceed to a vote in the state legislature. If enacted, the new standards would take effect 12 months after the bill's passage to allow time for long-term care facilities to implement the necessary changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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