,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #aaei ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,april #aa1 #bjai ,mr4 ,bennet 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,murkowski1 and ,mr4 ,casey7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife to establish the ,office of ,inclusivity and ,sexual ,health and a rural outreach grant program carried out by that ,office1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,inclusive ,aging ,act4 #b4 ,definitions ,section #ajb of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#bd7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c77ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 status as a ,,lgbt individual4 2 7#b7 by redesignating-- 7,a7 paragraphs 7#dd7 through 7#ed7 as paragraphs 7#df7 through 7#ef71 respectively2 and 7,b7 paragraphs 7#cd7 through 7#dc7 as paragraphs 7#ce7 through 7#dd71 respectively2 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#cc7 the following3 7#cd7 ,the term ,,lgbt means lesbian1 gay1 bisexual1 or transgender4 2 and 7#d7 by inserting after paragraph 7#dd71 as so redesignated1 the following3 7#de7 ,the term protected class means a class described in any of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e7 of section #bcjb7;b77#a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 #c4 ,office of ,inclusivity and ,sexual ,health ,section #bja of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaa7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 7#a7 ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,inclusive ,aging ,act1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall establish an ,office of ,inclusivity and ,sexual ,health 7referred to in this subsection as the ,office74 7#b7 7,a7 ,the ,office shall be headed by a ,director of ,inclusivity and ,sexual ,health 7referred to in this subsection as the ,director7 who shall be appointed by the ,assistant ,secretary4 7,b7 ,the ,office shall include an ,assistant ,director of ,,lgbt ,policy 7referred to in this subsection as the ,assistant ,director7 who shall be appointed by the ,director to assist the ,director in carrying out this subsection1 including by carrying out the activities under paragraph 7#d74 7#c7 ,the ,director shall-- 7,a7 coordinate activities within the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services1 and between other ,federal departments and agencies1 to assure a continuum of improved services for ,,lgbt older individuals and older individuals of a protected class2 7,b7 promote a continuum of improved sexual health services for older individuals1 including by ensuring access to services for ,,lgbt older individuals and older individuals of a protected class2 7,c7 collect and disseminate information related to the challenges experienced by older individuals of a protected class and all older individuals trying to seek sexual health services1 including information on the rise of sexually transmitted diseases among the population of older individuals2 7,d7 administer and evaluate grants that will help ,,lgbt older individuals1 older individuals of a protected class1 and all older individuals seeking sexual health services1 including grants under section #dbc2 and 7,e7 coordinate with the ,administrator of the ,health ,resources and ,services ,administration on any sexual health recommendations for older individuals4 7#d7 ,the ,assistant ,director shall-- 7,a7 serve as the effective and visible advocate on behalf of ,,lgbt older individuals-- 7i7 within the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services and with other departments and agencies of the ,federal ,government regarding all ,federal policies affecting such individuals2 and 7ii7 in the ,states to promote the enhanced delivery of services and implementation of programs1 under this ,act and other ,federal ,acts1 for the benefit of such individuals2 7,b7 support1 conduct1 and arrange for research in the field of ,,lgbt aging with a special emphasis on gathering statistics on ,,lgbt older individuals2 7,c7 collect and disseminate information related to challenges experienced by ,,lgbt older individuals with an emphasis on the challenges experienced by ,,lgbt older individuals residing in rural areas and ,,lgbt older individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome 7,,hiv_/,,aids72 and 7,d7 recommend policies and priorities beneficial to ,,lgbt older individuals and promote the implementation and adoption of culturally competent care and services for such individuals4 7#e7 ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of the ,inclusive ,aging ,act1 and every #c years thereafter1 the ,director shall submit to ,congress a report describing the activities carried out under this subsection during the preceding #c years4 4 #d4 ,administration on aging 7a7 ,establishment of administration ,section #bja7;d77#c77;,j7 of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaa7;d77#c77;,j77 is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following3 1 including the effectiveness of such services in meeting the needs of ,,lgbt older individuals4 7b7 ,functions of ,assistant ,secretary ,section #bjb of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjab7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#af77;,a77ii71 by inserting 1 and separately specifying the number of such individuals who are ,,lgbt individuals before the semicolon2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#cj71 by striking 2 and at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#ca71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#cb7 conduct studies and collect data to determine the services that are needed by ,,lgbt older individuals4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7h7 7#a7 ,the ,assistant ,director of ,,lgbt ,policy appointed under section #bja7;g77#b77;,b7 7referred to in this subsection as the ,assistant ,director7 shall1 directly or by grant or contract1 establish and operate the ,national ,resource ,center on ,lesbian1 ,gay1 ,bisexual1 and ,transgender ,aging 7in this subsection referred to as the ,center74 7#b7 ,to address the unique challenges faced by ,,lgbt older individuals1 the ,center shall provide national1 ,state1 and local organizations1 including those with a primary mission of serving ,,lgbt individuals and those with a primary mission of serving older individuals1 with the information and technical assistance the organizations need to effectively serve ,,lgbt older individuals4 7#c7 ,the ,center shall have #c primary objectives1 consisting of-- 7,a7 educating aging services organizations about the existence and special needs of ,,lgbt older individuals2 7,b7 sensitizing ,,lgbt organizations about the existence and special needs of older individuals2 and 7,c7 providing educational resources to ,,lgbt older individuals and their caregivers4 7#d7 7,a7 ,to be eligible to receive funds under this subsection1 an entity-- 7i7 shall have demonstrated expertise in working with organizations or individuals on issues affecting ,,lgbt individuals2 7ii7 shall have documented experience in providing training and technical assistance on a national basis or a formal relationship with an organization that has that experience2 and 7iii7 shall meet such other criteria as the ,assistant ,director shall issue4 7,b7 ,to be eligible to receive funds under this subsection1 an entity shall submit an application to the ,assistant ,director at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,assistant ,director may reasonably require4 7#e7 ,the ,assistant ,director shall make available to the ,center on an annual basis such resources as are necessary for the ,center to carry out effectively the functions of the ,center under this subsection and not less than the amount of resources made available to the ,national ,resource ,center on ,lesbian1 ,gay1 ,bisexual1 and ,transgender ,aging1 existing on the day before the date of enactment of the ,inclusive ,aging ,act1 for fiscal year #bjai4 7#f7 ,the ,assistant ,director shall develop and issue operating standards and reporting requirements for the ,center4 4 7c7 ,reports ,section #bjg of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjah7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#c71 by inserting ,,lgbt individuals1 after low-income individuals12 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting 1 including the number of such individuals that are ,,lgbt individuals before the semicolon2 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 as paragraphs 7#e7 and 7#f71 respectively2 and 7,c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following3 7#d7 the effectiveness of such activities in assisting ,,lgbt older individuals2 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall ensure that-- 7#a7 no individual will be required to provide information regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of the individual as a condition of participating in activities or receiving services under this ,act2 and 7#b7 no agency or other entity providing activities or services under this ,act that receives1 for the purposes of this ,act1 information regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of an individual will disclose the information in any form that would permit such individual to be identified4 7e7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall develop appropriate protocols1 demonstrations1 tools1 or guidance for use by ,state agencies and area agencies on aging1 to ensure successful implementation of data collection requirements under this ,act with respect to ,,lgbt individuals4 7f7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall determine when the data collection requirements described in subsection 7e7 shall apply1 taking into consideration the complexity and importance of each requirement1 but each requirement shall apply not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,inclusive ,aging ,act4 4 #e4 ,rural outreach grant program ,part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjcb et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dbc4 ,rural outreach grant program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,office of ,inclusivity and ,sexual ,health established under section #bja7;g74 7#b7 ,eligible ,entity ,the term eligible entity-- 7,a7 means an entity that submits an application to the ,director in accordance with subsection 7c71 and is-- 7i7 a ,state2 7ii7 an ,indian tribe or tribal organization2 or 7iii7 an agency1 organization1 or institution1 which may be a nonprofit agency1 organization1 or institution1 that-- 7,i7 focuses on serving the needs of older individuals1 ,,lgbt individuals1 or individuals of a protected class2 or 7,,ii7 focuses on providing sexual health services to all older individuals2 and 7,b7 may include an area agency on aging for a rural area or a multipurpose senior center4 7#c7 ,rural area ,the term rural area means an area that is not designated by the ,united ,states ,census ,bureau as an urbanized area or urban cluster4 7b7 ,authority for grants ,the ,director may make grants to eligible entities to carry out activities described in subsection 7d7 that are designed-- 7#a7 to create a cooperative and lasting partnership between ,,lgbt older individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 residing in rural areas and the eligible entity receiving the grant2 7#b7 to meet the needs of the individuals described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7#c7 to provide comprehensive sexual health services to all older individuals residing in rural areas4 7c7 ,applications 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the ,director at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,director may reasonably require1 including the contents described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,contents ,an application for a grant under this section shall contain-- 7,a7 a description of the proposed activities to be supported by the grant2 7,b7 a description of the size and characteristics of the population in a rural area to be served by such proposed activities2 7,c7 a description of the public and private resources expected to be made available in connection with such activities2 7,d7 a demonstrated intent to partner with local organizations in rural areas in carrying out such activities2 7,e7 evidence in a form acceptable to the ,director that such activities will meet needs that are not met by available public and private sources2 and 7,f7 such other information or certifications that the ,director determines necessary to achieve the purposes described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 of subsection 7b74 7d7 ,use of funds ,an eligible entity may use funds made available by a grant under this section to carry out activities that include initiatives that-- 7#a7 engage in education and training relating to community outreach to ,,lgbt older individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 residing in rural areas2 7#b7 reduce isolation and improve access to care for ,,lgbt older individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 residing in rural areas by building relationships between such individuals and the local community2 7#c7 foster relationships between local service providers and ,,lgbt older individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 residing in rural areas2 7#d7 improve cultural competency with respect to ,,lgbt individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 among organizations and personnel providing services to older individuals residing in rural areas2 7#e7 expand the use of nondiscrimination policies that-- 7,a7 protect sexual orientation and gender identity2 and 7,b7 create community spaces that are inclusive to ,,lgbt older individuals or older individuals of a protected class2 and 7#f7 focus on providing sexual health services to older individuals residing in rural areas4 7e7 ,standards and guidelines ,the ,director shall establish standards and guidelines for activities supported by a grant under this section4 ,such standards and guidelines shall permit an eligible entity receiving such a grant to refine or adapt the standards and guidelines for an individual project1 where such a refinement or adaptation is made necessary by a local circumstance4 7f7 ,coordination with local entities 7#a7 ,cooperation ,an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall1 in carrying out activities supported by the grant1 agree to cooperate and coordinate with-- 7,a7 the agencies of the relevant ,state and local governments responsible for providing services to ,,lgbt older individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 in the area served by such activities2 and 7,b7 other public and private organizations and agencies providing services to ,,lgbt older individuals1 or older individuals of a protected class1 in such area4 7#b7 ,prioritization ,an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall prioritize cooperating and coordinating with public and private organizations and agencies that primarily serve populations of older individuals with the greatest social need4 7g7 ,reports ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,inclusive ,aging ,act1 and every #b years thereafter1 the ,director shall submit to ,congress a report describing the activities carried out under this section during the preceding #b years4 4 #f4 ,grants for ,state and community programs on aging ,section #cja7;a77#b7 of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjba7;a77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7#b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,f7 as subparagraph 7,i72 and 7#c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,e7 the following3 7,f7 organizations that serve ,,lgbt individuals2 7,g7 organizations that serve a protected class2 and 7,h7 organizations that provide sexual health services to older individuals2 and 4 #g4 ,activities for health1 independence1 and longevity ,section #daa7;a77#aa7 of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjcb7;a77#aa77 is amended to read as follows3 7#aa7 conducting activities of national significance to promote quality and continuous improvement in the support and services provided to individuals with greatest social need1 through activities that include needs assessment1 program development and evaluation1 training1 technical assistance1 and research1 concerning-- 7,a7 addressing physical and mental health1 disabilities1 and health disparities2 7,b7 providing long-term care1 including in-home and community-based care2 7,c7 providing informal care1 and formal care in a facility setting2 7,d7 providing access to culturally responsive health and human services2 and 7,e7 addressing other gaps in assistance and issues that the ,assistant ,secretary determines are of particular importance to older individuals with greatest social need4 4 #h4 ,data collection ,section #gab of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjeh;g7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#c7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,f7 through 7,j7 as subparagraphs 7,g7 through 7,k72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,e7 the following3 7,f7 7i7 collect and analyze data1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 relating to-- 7,i7 discrimination1 in the admission to1 transfer or discharge from1 or lack of adequate care provided in long-term care settings1 against older individuals on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity1 a protected class1 or inclusion in an ,indian tribe or tribal organization2 and 7,,ii7 the need of sexual health services for older individuals1 the availability of such services1 and any outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases among older individuals2 and 7ii7 include the analyses under clause 7i7 in the reports described in subsection 7h77#a72 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7h77#f71 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking 7,a7 through 7,g7 and inserting 7,a7 through 7,h74