HSC §121295: (a) The State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the California Department of Aging, shall establish a program for demonstration projects to allow for innovative, evidence-informed appr

(a) The State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the California Department of Aging, shall establish a program for demonstration projects to allow for innovative, evidence-informed approaches to improve the health and well-being of older people living with HIV. (b) The demonstration projects shall address the multidisciplinary clinical and nonclinical needs of older people living with HIV. (c) The demonstration projects shall be responsive to the unique needs of older people living with HIV in the specific geographic area. (d) The demonstration projects shall operate for a period of up to three years. The department shall implement up to five demonstration projects. (e) The demonstration projects shall include an evaluation component and a plan for disseminating lessons learned in order to develop new programs and strengthen existing programs. (f) (1) The department shall establish a process to request applications, and award funding on a competitive basis, for an eligible entity to operate a demonstration project pursuant to this chapter. (2) An application to operate a demonstration project under this chapter shall be evaluated based on need in the geographic area, populations served, competency of the entity applying, and program design. (g) The department shall determine the funding levels of each demonstration project based on the scope of the project and need in the specific geographic area. (h) Any entity in any county shall be eligible to operate a demonstration project pursuant to this chapter if it meets both of the following requirements: (1) Demonstrates experience and expertise in providing culturally appropriate services to the most vulnerable and underserved older people living with HIV, including, but not limited to, older people living with HIV who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. (2) Demonstrates the capacity to ensure that the multidisciplinary clinical and nonclinical needs of older people living with HIV are assessed and addressed. Services may be colocated or coordinated across different locations, including through referrals or partnerships with other entities.