Office of LGBTQI Inclusion

Section 201 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3011) is amended— (1) in subsection (d)(3)(J), by inserting before the semicolon the following:, including the effectiveness of such services in meeting the needs of LGBTQI older individuals; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (h) (1) There is established in the Administration an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion (referred to in this subsection as the Office). (2) (A) The Office shall be headed by a Director of LGBTQI Inclusion (referred to in this subsection as the Director), who shall be appointed by the Secretary. (B) The Office shall include an Assistant Director of LGBTQI Policy (referred to in this subsection as the Assistant Director) who shall be appointed by the Director to assist the Director in carrying out this subsection, including by carrying out the activities under paragraph (4). (3) The Director shall— (A) coordinate activities within the Department of Health and Human Services, and between other Federal departments and agencies, to ensure a continuum of improved services for LGBTQI older individuals; (B) promote access to aging services and supports for LGBTQI older individuals; (C) collect and disseminate information related to the challenges experienced by LGBTQI older individuals; and (D) administer and evaluate grants that will expand access to aging services and supports for LGBTQI older individuals. (4) The Assistant Director shall— (A) serve as the effective and visible advocate on behalf of LGBTQI older individuals— (i) within the Department of Health and Human Services and with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government regarding all Federal policies affecting such individuals; and (ii) in the States to promote the enhanced delivery of services and implementation of programs, under this Act and other Federal Acts, for the benefit of such individuals; (B) support, conduct, and arrange for research in the field of LGBTQI aging with a special emphasis on gathering statistics on LGBTQI older individuals; (C) collect and disseminate information related to challenges experienced by LGBTQI older individuals; and (D) recommend policies and priorities beneficial to LGBTQI older individuals and promote the implementation and adoption of culturally competent care and services for such individuals. (5) Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Elder Pride Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Director shall submit to Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this subsection during the preceding 5 years..