Illinois Code § 8.12

§ 8.12.

LGBTQ Older Adult Curriculum and Training Program. (a) All providers of services who contract with or receive funding from the Department shall complete a curriculum and training program on the prevention and elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression and on providing affirming care and improving access to services for LGBTQ older adults, older adults living with HIV, and their caregivers. The curriculum and training program must be completed by all employees of each provider as well as the employees of the provider's subgrantees and vendors. Providers shall complete training in accordance with the Department's established training requirements. Providers must maintain records of when each employee completes the curriculum and training program. Such proof of completion shall be made available to the Department upon its request. (b) The Department may develop the curriculum and training program or may contract with organizations or individuals to provide their curriculum and training program. Such organizations or individuals must affirm LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV and have recognized expertise in identifying and addressing the legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV. If the Department develops its own curriculum and training program, the Department shall collaborate on developing the program with individuals and organizations that affirm LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV and have recognized expertise in identifying and addressing the legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV. At a minimum, the curriculum and training program required by this Section must address the following: (1) definitions of common terms and examples associated with sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; (2) affirming methods of communicating with or about LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV; (3) the health and social challenges historically faced by LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV; (4) the importance of professionalism by providers and the way caretaker attitudes affect access to care, services, participation, and overall physical and mental health outcomes; (5) methods to create a safe and affirming environment and the penalties for failing to meet legal and professional standards; and (6) legal issues relating to LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV, including, but not limited to, civil rights and marriage laws. (c) The curriculum and training program established in accordance with this Section shall be implemented by the Department within 12 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly. (Source: P.A. 102-885, eff. 5-16-22.)