(20 ILCS 105/8.11)

Sec. 8.11. LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate.

(a) The Director shall designate an LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate to discharge the requirements of this Section. The LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate shall have the powers delegated to them by the Department, in addition to the powers set forth in this Section.

(b) The LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate shall:

(1) advocate for LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV who experience barriers to accessing and utilizing services;

(2) ensure the needs and perspectives of LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV are included and incorporated in the Department's decision-making and policymaking processes and throughout the Department's operations and programs;

(3) recommend to and assist providers and the public with identifying how best to serve and affirm LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV;

(4) administer and oversee the curriculum and training program established by Section 8.12 of this Act;

(5) support LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV with information about their civil rights and ability to access federal, State, and local aging services and benefits; and

(6) support the work and policy recommendations of the Commission on LGBTQ Aging, the Council on Aging, and the State Plan on Aging.

(c) In meeting the requirements of this Section, the LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate shall collaborate with organizations or individuals 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.

(d) The Department shall maintain information about the LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate, including contact information, on the Department's publicly accessible website.

(e) The Department may adopt rules for the administration, implementation, and enforcement of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-885, eff. 5-16-22.)