Bill > SB2805

This bill, titled the "Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression in Long-Term Care Bill of Rights Act," establishes a comprehensive set of rights for individuals receiving care in long-term care facilities or from home care providers, protecting them from discrimination based on their actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. Key provisions include the right to receive clear information about their rights and nondiscrimination policies, to be addressed by their chosen name and pronouns, to reside in rooms and use facilities that align with their gender identity, and to wear clothing and engage in grooming practices of their choice. The bill mandates that long-term care facilities and home care providers must include a client's chosen name and pronouns in their records and take steps to protect sensitive personal information. Furthermore, it requires all staff to undergo regular training on LGBTQ and HIV cultural competency, covering topics such as appropriate communication, best practices for creating affirming environments, and understanding the challenges faced by these communities. The bill also outlines procedures for handling grievances and complaints, and importantly, allows individuals to pursue civil action to enforce these rights, with provisions for civil penalties and other administrative actions for violations. It also amends existing laws, including the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the Nursing Home Care Act, and the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act, to ensure compliance with these new rights, and expands the definition of "abuse" under the Adult Protective Services Act to include intentional misgendering and unlawful discrimination.

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https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2805&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104