California: Bill to Protect LGBT Seniors Passes Senate Health Committee

Migden Measure, Sponsored by EQCA, Would Train Healthcare Professionals About the Needs of LGBT Seniors to Prevent Isolation, Discrimination.

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Health Committee today passed legislation that would help create an environment that is free from discrimination for LGBT seniors in nursing homes and senior care facilities.

Senate Bill 1729, authored by Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, and sponsored by Equality California, would train licensed health professionals who care for seniors about the unique needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Committee members passed the bill with an initial 6-1 vote.

“Seniors in our community are more likely to live in 24-hour care facilities in their later years due to lifelong experiences of discrimination and the lack of legal safety nets, such as Social Security survivor benefits, that help keep people in their homes after retirement,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. “Once they do receive professional care in a nursing home or senior facility, LGBT seniors should not have to face further isolation, discrimination or a lack of acceptance based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

SB 1729 would require licensed healthcare professionals who have constant interaction with seniors to participate in a training program that focuses on preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Many health professionals already receive cultural diversity training, but it does not include information and education about LGBT issues.

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