S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
6223
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
I N S E N A T E
May 24, 2019
___________
Introduced by Sens. RIVERA, HOYLMAN -- read twice and ordered printed,
and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT relating to requiring home health aides and nurse's aides to
receive training in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen-
der individuals
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The commissioner of health, in consultation with the
commissioner of education, shall develop a training program unit which
focuses on working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender popu-
lations, as part of the state approved education or training programs
required for certification of home health aides, personal care aides,
personal care staff, and certified nurse's aides.
§ 2. The training program unit required by this act should include the
following components and information:
(a) an explanation of the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen-
der (LGBT);
(b) an understanding of why LGBT individuals may hide their identity;
(c) incorporate LGBT concerns into person-directed care, so that each
individual can make the best decisions for their own situation;
(d) specific information designed for staff working in nursing care or
other residential care settings;
(e) unique needs of LGBT individuals, including older adults;
(f) an overview of the various rights and protections extended to LGBT
individuals;
(g) best practices for creating communities welcoming to LGBT individ-
uals including older adults, their loved ones, and their caregivers;
(h) practical tips from experts about how to ask questions related to
sexual orientation and gender identity and understand why these ques-
tions are important for all service organizations;
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11270-01-9
S. 6223 2
(i) teach the nuances of asking questions related to sexual orien-
tation and gender identity to LGBT individuals, including older adults;
(j) how to respectfully respond to questions and concerns that arise
in conversations relating to sexual orientation and gender identity; and
(k) best practices for providing transgender affirming care.
§ 3. The training unit required by this act shall be developed within
six months of the effective date of this act and shall be required for
all certifications and re-certifications of home health aides, personal
care aides, personal care staff, and certified nurse's aides issued on
and after such six month date.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.