(San Francisco, California) A new law signed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will help prevent bias in senior care facilities and nursing homes.

“[The new law] will proactively create a culture of respect and understanding for all seniors living in care facilities,” he said.

The law requires licensed healthcare professionals who have constant interaction with seniors to attend a training program on preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Many health professionals already receive cultural diversity training, but it does not include information and education about LGBT issues.

Basic rights, such as the choice to live in the same nursing home with a partner and the right to hospital visitation, are routinely denied to same-gender couples in older age, according to a 2000 study from the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

The study also found that same-gender partners lack essential protections, including Medicaid benefits and access to pensions, which typically protect the homes and retirement funds of surviving spouses who are married.

“No senior should be denied the care they need or forced to face indignities because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sen. Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) who authored the legislation.

The law will go into effect on January 1, 2009.