Bill > H4304

This bill establishes a permanent commission on older LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) adults and their caregivers in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of 19 members, including government officials, representatives from LGBTQ and elder care organizations, and 5 gubernatorial appointees (including an elder law attorney, an LGBTQ policy expert, and 3 LGBTQ older adults, with geographic representation from Cape Cod, western and central Massachusetts). The commission's primary purpose is to investigate and address the comprehensive needs of older LGBTQ adults, including health, housing, financial, and long-term care challenges. Specifically, the commission will examine state policies affecting LGBTQ seniors, assess strategies to improve provider awareness and competence, evaluate service funding and programming, explore best practices for reducing isolation and preventing abuse, recommend alternatives to institutional care, develop potential training curricula for healthcare providers, and create outreach protocols to help LGBTQ seniors feel more comfortable accessing mainstream services. The bill aims to ensure equality, improve quality of life, and address unique challenges faced by LGBTQ older adults in the state.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Aging and Independence (Other)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4304