SENATE AMENDED PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 2580, 2601, 2642, PRINTER'S NO. 3871 2669, 3107, 3312
No. 2015 Session of 1987
INTRODUCED BY RICHARDSON, DORR, PISTELLA, WAMBACH, KUKOVICH, JADLOWIEC, STUBAN, DOMBROWSKI, LLOYD, DAVIES, G. SNYDER, NOYE, BLACK, SEMMEL, LEH, FOX, LASHINGER, JOHNSON, ROBBINS, FARGO, S. H. SMITH, HESS, DISTLER, FARMER, COWELL, COY, O'DONNELL, ITKIN, FREEMAN, PRESTON, DeWEESE, ARTY AND BROUJOS, NOVEMBER 24, 1987
SENATOR TILGHMAN, APPROPRIATIONS, IN SENATE, RE-REPORTED AS AMENDED, NOVEMBER 14, 1988
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), entitled
2 "An act providing for and reorganizing the conduct of the
3 executive and administrative work of the Commonwealth by the
4 Executive Department thereof and the administrative
5 departments, boards, commissions, and officers thereof,
6 including the boards of trustees of State Normal Schools, or
7 Teachers Colleges; abolishing, creating, reorganizing or
8 authorizing the reorganization of certain administrative
9 departments, boards, and commissions; defining the powers and
10 duties of the Governor and other executive and administrative
11 officers, and of the several administrative departments,
12 boards, commissions, and officers; fixing the salaries of the
13 Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and certain other executive
14 and administrative officers; providing for the appointment of
15 certain administrative officers, and of all deputies and
16 other assistants and employes in certain departments, boards,
17 and commissions; and prescribing the manner in which the
18 number and compensation of the deputies and all other
19 assistants and employes of certain departments, boards and
20 commissions shall be determined," further providing for the
21 Department of Aging, for the Pennsylvania Council on Aging
22 and for services and programs for older citizens; and <--
23 reestablishing the Department of Aging; AND FURTHER PROVIDING <--
24 FOR THE STATUS OF NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS WHICH LEASE
25 FACILITIES TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
26 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
1 hereby enacts as follows: 2 Section 1. Sections 2202-A, 2203-A, 2204-A, 2205-A, 2206-A, 3 2207-A, 2208-A, 2209-A, 2210-A and 2212-A of the act of April 9, 4 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 5 1929, added June 20, 1978 (P.L.477, No.70), are amended to read: 6 Section 2202-A. Definitions.--As used in this article: 7 "Area agency" means the single local agency designated by the 8 department within each planning and service area to administer 9 the delivery of a comprehensive and coordinated plan of social 10 and other services and activities. 11 "Area plan" means the plan submitted to the department by an 12 area agency describing the methods by which it will ensure a 13 coordinated and comprehensive plan of social and other services 14 and activities in the planning and service area. 15 ["Boarding home" means any institution or facility, however 16 named which is operated for profit or otherwise and which is 17 advertised, announced or maintained for the express or implied 18 purpose of providing shelter, services or supervision for two or 19 more persons, unrelated to the proprietor of the facility, who 20 require some level of supervision or assistance in carrying out 21 daily routine activities, but who are not so ill, aged or 22 disabled as to require institutionalization in a facility 23 providing a higher level of care.] 24 "Council" means the Pennsylvania Council on Aging. 25 "Department" means the Department of Aging. 26 "Domiciliary care" is a protected living arrangement in the 27 community which [includes room, board and services for persons 28 eighteen and older who cannot live independently because of 29 their social and economic situation.] provides a safe, 30 supportive, homelike residential setting for three or less 19870H2015B3871 - 2 -
1 adults who are unrelated to the domiciliary care provider, who 2 cannot live independently in the community, and who are placed 3 by an area agency. 4 "Federal Older Americans Act of 1965" means Public Law 89-73, 5 79 Stat. 218, as amended. 6 ["Local authority" means the county commissioners.] 7 "Long-term care" means those services designed to provide 8 diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, supportive or 9 maintenance services for individuals who have chronic functional 10 impairments in a variety of institutional and noninstitutional 11 care settings, including the home. 12 ["Nonprofit sponsor" means any nonprofit corporation 13 designated as an area agency on aging or as the sponsor of any 14 aging service or activity.] 15 "Older adults, older persons, aged, aging, elderly" [means] 16 mean those persons residing within Pennsylvania who are age 17 sixty or over, [or, as the secretary may determine appropriate, 18 persons below this age] or other individuals authorized by law. 19 ["Personal care home for adults" means any premises operated 20 for profit in which food, shelter and personal assistance or 21 supervision are provided for a period exceeding twenty-four 22 hours for more than two adults who are not relatives of the 23 operator and who require assistance or supervision in such 24 matters as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for 25 self administration.] 26 "Planning and service area" means the geographic unit within 27 the State, as authorized by the Federal Older Americans Act of 28 1965, as amended, for allocation of funds for the delivery of 29 social services. 30 "Secretary" means the Secretary of Aging. 19870H2015B3871 - 3 -
1 "Sole State agency" means [that State agency as designated 2 under the Federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended] the 3 Department of Aging. 4 "Unit of general purpose local government" means, as used 5 with reference to the designation of area agencies on aging, a 6 county or other unit which carries general government authority 7 for an area designated as a planning and service area under this 8 act or a combination of such units. 9 Section 2203-A. Powers and Duties in General.--(a) The 10 Department of Aging hereinafter referred to in this article as 11 the department shall, subject to any inconsistent provisions in 12 this act contained, have the power and its duty shall be to: 13 (1) Evaluate the need for services for the aged within the 14 State and determine the extent to which public and private 15 programs meet such a need with special emphasis on the needs and 16 participation of the minority elderly. 17 (2) [Develop, in consultation with the council and 18 administer a comprehensive State plan for services, programs, 19 and activities for the aging furnished by State agencies.] 20 Assist with planning and provide consultation to State agencies 21 with respect to services, programs and activities which they may 22 furnish to older citizens. 23 (2.1) Develop and periodically update in consultation with 24 the council and the area agencies, a comprehensive plan for 25 coordinating all major Commonwealth services, programs and 26 activities which are directed towards persons with chronic 27 physical or mental impairments which necessitate long-term care. 28 (3) Provide for services to the aging through area agencies 29 for the aging and other appropriate agencies, organizations and 30 institutions authorized in accordance with the Federal Older 19870H2015B3871 - 4 -
1 Americans Act of 1965, related Federal acts, and applicable 2 State law and to stimulate services and opportunities for the 3 aging which are not otherwise available. 4 (4) Function as the sole State agency to receive and 5 disburse Federal funds under the Older Americans Act of 1965 and 6 State funds made available for providing services to older 7 persons. 8 (5) [Administer] Develop and administer the State plan for 9 the aging required by Federal law. 10 (5.1) Administer the act of November 4, 1983 (P.L.217, 11 No.63), known as the "Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the 12 Elderly Act." 13 (6) Serve as an advocate for the aging at all levels of 14 government and to provide consultation and assistance to the 15 area agencies, communities and civic groups developing local 16 services for older persons. 17 (7) Maintain a clearinghouse of information related to the 18 interests of older persons and provide technical assistance and 19 consultation to all agencies, both public and private with 20 respect to programs and services for older persons. 21 (8) [Provide] Prepare for the Governor an annual budget as 22 may be reasonably required [by] to address the needs of the 23 Pennsylvania Council on Aging[, the four] and its regional 24 councils [on aging and the Technical Advisory Committee]. 25 (9) Promote, utilizing, wherever possible, the area 26 agencies, community education regarding the problems of older 27 persons through institutes, publications, and use of 28 communications media. 29 (10) Cooperate with area agencies and agencies of the 30 Federal Government in studies and conferences designed to 19870H2015B3871 - 5 -
1 examine the needs of the aging population and to assist in 2 preparing programs and developing facilities to meet those 3 needs. 4 (11) Promote and support programs, studies and policies, in 5 cooperation with the Departments of Labor and Industry, 6 Education, Commerce, Public Welfare and other agencies, which 7 will enhance the opportunity for continued work, education and 8 training for older persons and for preretirement assistance 9 where appropriate. 10 (12) Promote, through the use of area agencies and direct 11 grants, contracts and technical assistance, the development of 12 independent senior centers, service organizations, clubs, 13 associations and organizations dedicated to the rights and needs 14 of older persons [and providing activities] when these are not 15 in conflict with State or area plans for the aging. 16 (13) Make recommendations for legislative action to the 17 Governor and the General Assembly. 18 (14) In coordination with the area agencies and the council, 19 develop and conduct research, demonstration programs and 20 training programs to advance the interests of older persons. 21 (15) Publish a description of the organization and function 22 of the department so that all interested agencies and 23 individuals may be better able to solicit assistance from the 24 department. 25 (16) Administer and supervise a domiciliary care program for 26 adults. 27 (17) Conduct, in cooperation with appropriate State and 28 local public and private agencies [yearly] studies and 29 evaluations pertaining to the quality of life, health and social 30 needs, civil rights and status of older persons residing in 19870H2015B3871 - 6 -
1 [boarding homes,] personal care homes and similar residencies 2 and report such findings and recommendations to the General 3 Assembly [annually]. 4 (17.1) In cooperation with the area agencies and Federal, 5 State and local organizations and agencies, work toward the 6 development of a continuum of community-based service and 7 housing options for impaired and chronically ill older persons 8 designed to maintain them in the community and avoid or delay 9 institutional care. System development activities shall include, 10 but not be limited to, coordinating the Commonwealth's plans for 11 the provision, expansion and effective administration of: 12 (i) Personal care and health-related services provided to 13 adults in their homes. 14 (ii) Housing options such as service-assisted housing 15 options and personal care homes. 16 (iii) Special supports to caregivers who care for impaired 17 older persons. 18 (iv) Adult day-care services, respite services and other 19 community-based services to support care by caregivers. 20 (v) The promotion of informal community supports. 21 (vi) Geriatric assessment and nursing home screening 22 programs. 23 (vii) Special services to protect the health, safety and 24 welfare of older persons who lack the capacity to protect 25 themselves. 26 (viii) Special advocacy efforts to promote greater awareness 27 of, and more effective response to, the problems of persons with 28 Alzheimer's disease and other related brain disorders. 29 To the extent that the needs of other adults involve and overlap 30 the needs of older persons addressed by this paragraph, the 19870H2015B3871 - 7 -
1 department shall serve as an advocate for adults of any age. 2 (17.2) In cooperation with the Department of Health and the 3 Department of Public Welfare, develop WELFARE: <-- 4 (I) DEVELOP and administer a system of preadmission 5 assessment for persons who are at risk of needing institutional 6 care, if the department finds such a system cost effective. 7 (17.3) (II) Develop and administer a system of managed <-- 8 community-based long-term care for persons who are assessed as 9 being clinically eligible for nursing home care and who can be 10 cared for within cost of care guidelines established by the 11 department, if the department finds such a system cost 12 effective. 13 (18) Review all proposed Commonwealth program plans and 14 policies, and administrative regulations that are published in 15 the Pennsylvania Bulletin for their impact on older persons. 16 Where the secretary believes that they have an impact on older 17 persons, he shall comment in accordance with the provisions of 18 the Commonwealth Documents Law. 19 (19) Make and enforce rules and regulations necessary and 20 proper to the performance of its duties. 21 (20) After July 1, 1979 and at the option of the secretary, 22 to administer those provisions of the act of January 22, 1968 23 (P.L.42, No.8), known as the "Pennsylvania Urban Mass 24 Transportation Assistance Law of 1967," which relate to [free 25 local transit for the elderly] special transit programs for the 26 elderly. The secretary shall confer with the Department of 27 Transportation in order to insure that the regulations 28 promulgated by the Department of Aging do not conflict with 29 those promulgated by the Department of Transportation. 30 (21) Serve as an advocate for the needs of the adult 19870H2015B3871 - 8 -
1 handicapped as such needs involve and overlap the needs and 2 services of older persons. 3 (22) Cooperate with the Pennsylvania Office of Planning in 4 the development of local, regional and Statewide solutions to 5 the needs of older persons. 6 (23) Review the activities of regulatory [and] agencies of 7 the Commonwealth which affect the full and fair utilization of 8 State and community resources for programs and benefits for 9 older persons and initiate programs which will help assure such 10 utilization. 11 (24) Conduct, in cooperation with the Department of Health 12 and the Department of Public Welfare, [yearly] periodic studies 13 and evaluations pertaining to the quality of care and related 14 services for [nursing home patients] consumers of long-term care 15 services and report such findings to the General Assembly 16 [annually]. 17 (24.1) Conduct, in cooperation with the Department of 18 Health, an ongoing Statewide prescription drug education program 19 designed to inform older adults of the dangers of prescription 20 drug abuse and misuse. 21 (24.2) Establish and administer a State Long-Term Care 22 Ombudsman Program, including providing resources to area 23 agencies on aging or other contractors to investigate and 24 resolve complaints related to the health, safety or rights of 25 older individuals who are residents CONSUMERS of long-term care <-- 26 facilities (such as nursing homes and personal care homes) <-- 27 SERVICES and to prepare and submit to the General Assembly an <-- 28 annual report containing data and findings regarding the types 29 of problems experienced and complaints investigated. 30 (25) Collaborate with the Department of Community Affairs 19870H2015B3871 - 9 -
1 and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency in the location, 2 design, management and services of housing built for older 3 persons and upon request provide technical assistance to local 4 housing authorities, nonprofit housing and community groups, 5 redevelopment authorities, and other groups with a special 6 emphasis on programs on utility costs, rehabilitation and 7 maintenance of the homes of older persons. 8 (26) Review and comment on all rules, regulations, 9 eligibility or payment standards issued by the Departments of 10 Public Welfare, Environmental Resources, Health or Labor and 11 Industry relating to the licensure and regulation of nursing 12 homes, hospitals, and other health facilities; medical 13 assistance, supplemental security income; homemaking and home- 14 health care or residential care facilities for older adults. 15 Said rules, regulations and standards shall not take effect 16 until they have been submitted to the department for comment. 17 (27) Review and comment on rules, regulations, eligibility 18 standards, or contract provisions issued by the Departments of 19 Revenue and Transportation relating to activities financed in 20 whole or in part by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Said rules, 21 regulations, eligibility standards and contract provisions shall 22 not take effect until they have been submitted to the department 23 for comment. 24 (28) Review and comment on rules, regulations, eligibility 25 standards or contract provisions issued by the Department of 26 Transportation relating to specialized transportation needs of 27 the elderly and the handicapped in rural and urban areas. Said 28 rules, regulations, eligibility standards or contract provisions 29 shall not take effect until they have been submitted to the 30 department for comment. 19870H2015B3871 - 10 -
1 (29) Provide for services to adults under age sixty whose 2 needs for services are similar to those for which the department 3 is responsible with respect to older persons and as may be 4 specifically authorized by law. 5 (b) In filling vacancies authorized to the department, the 6 secretary shall assure that preference is given to persons sixty 7 years of age or older. 8 Section 2204-A. Pennsylvania Council on Aging.--(a) There 9 is hereby created in the Office of the Governor the Pennsylvania 10 Council on Aging which shall consist of [nineteen] twenty-one 11 persons at least [ten] eleven of whom shall be [fifty-five] 12 sixty years of age or older, and [of] which [four] shall [be] 13 include the chairpersons of the regional [council] councils on 14 aging [and twelve alternate members]. Eleven members of the 15 Pennsylvania Council shall constitute a quorum for the conduct 16 of matters which come before it. Absence of a member at three 17 consecutive meetings shall result in the member forfeiting his 18 seat, unless he requests in writing and receives approval from 19 the chairman for an absence necessitated by illness of the 20 member or the death of a loved one. 21 (b) The members of the council shall be appointed by the 22 Governor and shall represent, as far as possible, different 23 geographical sections of the Commonwealth. In addition, the 24 council shall include representatives of long-term care 25 providers such as, for example, adult day-care providers. The 26 members shall be appointed on staggered terms of one to three 27 years. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. 28 (c) The council shall provide for its organization and 29 procedure including the selection of a chairman and such other 30 officers as deemed necessary. 19870H2015B3871 - 11 -
1 (d) The [citizen] members of the council shall receive no 2 compensation for their services on the council but shall be 3 reimbursed by the department, in accordance with regulations, 4 for any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the 5 performance of their duties. 6 (e) The council shall meet at least six times per year to 7 review and comment upon all reports of the Department of Aging 8 to the Governor and the General Assembly. 9 (f) The council shall have the following powers and duties: 10 (1) Assist the department in the preparation of the [annual] 11 State plan on aging. 12 (2) To review and comment on rules and regulations 13 promulgated by the department. 14 (3) To prepare and submit to the Governor, the General 15 Assembly, the Secretary of the Department of Aging and the 16 public [an annual report] reports evaluating the level and 17 quality of services and programs provided to the aging by 18 Commonwealth agencies together with recommendations for 19 improved, expanded or additional programs and services for the 20 aging. 21 (4) To carry out public hearings on matters affecting the 22 rights and interests of the aging including matters involving 23 cases of neglect, abuse and age discrimination against older 24 persons in the administration of the laws of the Commonwealth 25 and its political subdivisions. 26 (5) To carry out [comprehensive] studies in the areas of age 27 discrimination, health care, Medical Assistance program policies 28 affecting the elderly, duration of stay contracts for nursing 29 homes, health-related insurance increases and, as appropriate, 30 other major issues affecting the aging [housing, utility costs, 19870H2015B3871 - 12 -
1 taxation, income support and transportation] and to report to 2 the Governor, the General Assembly, the secretary and the public 3 its findings and recommendations in regard to appropriate action 4 and a long-term strategy for [the aging in each of these 5 respective areas of study within one year of the effective date 6 of this act] an appropriate manner in which to address these 7 issues. [In each succeeding year, the council shall engage in 8 similar studies and reports on major issues affecting the 9 aging.] 10 (6) Consult with the secretary regarding the operations of 11 the department. 12 (7) To establish [at least four] no more than five regional 13 councils on aging which shall consist of fifteen citizen members 14 and concerning which the composition, members' terms of offices, 15 organization and duties and responsibilities shall be determined 16 by the council. 17 (8) Employ, with such funds as are provided by the 18 department, sufficient staff and services to carry out these 19 duties and powers as well as the duties and powers of the 20 regional councils. 21 Section 2205-A. Planning and Service Area.--[The 22 Commonwealth shall be divided into district planning and service 23 areas as determined by the secretary, pursuant to the Federal 24 Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.] The Commonwealth is 25 currently divided into planning and service areas. These 26 geographical subdivisions are established by the authority of 27 the secretary under the Federal Older Americans Act of 1965, and 28 may only be changed by order of the secretary under provisions 29 set forth by the department for combining or dividing 30 geographical areas to bring about more effective and efficient 19870H2015B3871 - 13 -
1 planning and service delivery. 2 Section 2206-A. Designated Area Agencies.--For each planning 3 and service area there shall be an area agency [established] 4 designated by the department in accordance with the Federal 5 Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, to serve as a focal 6 point in the community for the coordination of services for 7 older people and for the issues and concerns of aging. [Such] An 8 area agency so designated must be (i) an established office of 9 aging; (ii) any office or agency of the [local authority] unit 10 of general purpose local government, which is designated for 11 this purpose by the chief elected officials of the [local 12 authority] unit of general purpose local government; (iii) any 13 office or agency designated by the chief elected officials of a 14 combination of [local authorities] units of general purpose 15 local government to act on behalf of such combination for this 16 purpose; or (iv) any public or nonprofit private agency in a 17 planning and service area which is under the supervision or 18 direction for this purpose of the designated State agency and 19 which can engage in the planning or provision of a broad range 20 of social services within such planning and service area; and 21 must provide assurance, found adequate by the department, that 22 it will have the ability to develop and administer an area plan. 23 The secretary may [redesignate] OR designate new area agencies <-- 24 [based on ESTABLISHED regulations [which shall be issued within <-- 25 one hundred twenty days of the effective date of this act]. Such <-- 26 regulations shall include criteria of efficiencies, 27 appropriateness and equity and shall provide for public hearings 28 on redesignation conducted in the affected planning and service 29 areas. Any such determinations of redesignation shall be 30 executed not less than one hundred days prior to the beginning 19870H2015B3871 - 14 -
1 of the fiscal year of the local authority.] A DESIGNATION OR <-- 2 REDESIGNATION MAY OCCUR when changes are made in established 3 planning and service area boundaries, when a currently 4 designated area agency is unable or unwilling to continue as the 5 area agency, WHEN REMOVAL OF AN AREA AGENCY DESIGNATION IS <-- 6 REQUESTED BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITY or when the department 7 determines that a currently designated area agency is incapable 8 of carrying out its approved area plan. The removal of an area 9 agency designation and the designation of a new area agency 10 shall be carried out under regulations promulgated by the 11 department and consistent with the Federal Older Americans Act 12 of 1965. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS SECTION, THE TERM "LOCAL <-- 13 AUTHORITY" SHALL MEAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OR COUNTY COUNCIL. 14 Section 2207-A. Area Agencies; Powers and Duties.--(a) The 15 area agency shall have the authority to act as an advocate at 16 all levels of government and within the community at large for 17 the interests of older persons within the planning and service 18 area. It shall develop a comprehensive area plan to coordinate 19 services for older persons within its planning and service area 20 as the department may prescribe by regulation. The area plan 21 shall make provision for: 22 (1) Information and referral, advocacy programs. 23 (2) Social service case management and casework services 24 including protective [placement and] services and placement 25 services. 26 (3) Transportation services. 27 (4) Legal counseling and representation. 28 (5) In-home services including [residential repair, 29 homemaker, home chore services, and congregate and home 30 delivered meals] personal care and health-related services. 19870H2015B3871 - 15 -
1 (6) Assistance to secure adequate housing and health 2 services. 3 (7) Other services required by Federal law and other such 4 services and activities designated by the department or 5 identified as critical needs by the area agency and the area 6 agency advisory board. The State plan on aging and grants and 7 contracts provided by the department shall reasonably 8 accommodate such locally designated priorities and critical 9 needs. 10 (8) The establishment of an affiliated network of 11 multiservice centers and neighborhood centers for older persons. 12 Each center shall provide those services required by the 13 department in accordance with regulations adopted by the 14 department, which regulations shall provide for the maximum 15 involvement of members of such centers and sponsoring 16 organizations in the identification and prioritization of 17 services and activities to be conducted in such centers. 18 (a.1) The AREA AGENCY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WORKING <-- 19 TOWARD THE development, in cooperation with State and local 20 organizations and agencies, of a continuum of community-based 21 service and housing options for impaired and chronically ill 22 older persons designated DESIGNED to maintain them in the <-- 23 community and avoid or delay institutional care. System 24 development activities shall include, but not be limited to, 25 coordinating area plans for the provision, expansion and 26 effective administration of: 27 (1) Personal care and health-related services provided to 28 adults in their home. 29 (2) Housing options such as service-assisted housing and 30 personal care homes. 19870H2015B3871 - 16 -
1 (3) Special supports to caregivers who care for impaired 2 older persons. 3 (4) Adult day-care services, respite services and other 4 community-based services to support care by caregivers. 5 (5) The promotion of informal community supports. 6 (6) Geriatric assessment and nursing home screening 7 programs. 8 (7) Special services to protect the health, safety and 9 welfare of older persons who lack the capacity to protect 10 themselves. 11 (8) Special advocacy efforts to promote greater awareness 12 of, and more effective response to, the problems of persons with 13 Alzheimer's disease and other related brain disorders. 14 To the extent that the needs of other adults involve and overlap 15 the needs of older persons addressed by this provision, the area 16 agency shall serve as an advocate for adults of any age. 17 (b) The area agency shall give priority of services to older 18 persons with the greatest needs and least resources. Factors 19 identifying older persons who are entitled to priority are: 20 (1) [Functional] MEDICALLY AT RISK OR FUNCTIONAL <-- 21 disability[, i.e., severe restriction of ability to carry out <-- 22 daily activities]. <-- 23 (2) Aloneness, i.e., living alone in a private apartment or 24 home unaccompanied by a related adult. 25 (3) Advanced age, i.e., seventy-five years of age or above. 26 (4) Low income. 27 (5) Services to minorities in proportion to their numbers 28 consistent with the provisions of the Human Relations Act. 29 (6) Inadequate housing. 30 (7) Lack of access to recreational and social activities. 19870H2015B3871 - 17 -
1 (c) In carrying out this section, the area agency shall 2 provide preference in filling all jobs for persons of age 3 [fifty-five] sixty and above [and shall require such preference 4 in all sub-contracts utilizing funds provided by the 5 Commonwealth. The Department of Aging shall issue regulations 6 pursuant to this section within one hundred fifty days of the 7 effective date of this act] in accordance with the regulations 8 promulgated by the department. 9 (d) [The] Consistent with the Older Americans Act of 1965, 10 as amended, and provisions set forth by the department, the area 11 agency may grant to or contract with any public[,] or private 12 [or nonprofit] agency for the [provisions] provision of social 13 services. The area agency is authorized to use, with their 14 consent, the services, equipment, personnel and facilities of 15 Federal and State agencies, with or without reimbursement, and 16 on a similar basis to cooperate with other public and private 17 agencies, and instrumentalities, in the use of services, 18 equipment and facilities. 19 Section 2208-A. Area Agency Advisory [Boards] Councils.--In 20 each planning and service area, an advisory [board] council of 21 at least fifteen members shall be appointed to advise the area 22 agency[. The department shall issue regulations designating the 23 selection process, composition and powers of advisory boards 24 within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of this 25 act. Such regulations shall provide for a majority of such 26 boards to be composed of persons above the age of sixty; maximum 27 possible involvement of such boards in determining local 28 programs and policies and advocacy roles within area agency 29 programs and local communities as well as for administrative 30 funds to carry out their functions.] with regard to the needs of 19870H2015B3871 - 18 -
1 older persons residing in the planning and service area and the 2 area agency's responses to those needs. The composition and 3 responsibility of the area agency advisory council shall be 4 consistent with the provisions of the Federal Older Americans 5 Act of 1965 and the regulations of the department. As a minimum, 6 these regulations shall require that each council be composed of 7 a majority of persons above the age of sixty. Such councils 8 shall be given the maximum possible opportunity to influence 9 local programs and policies and advocacy roles within area 10 agency programs and local communities. Area agencies shall 11 provide advisory councils with the funds necessary to carry out 12 their functions. 13 Section 2209-A. Area Agencies; Reports and Plans.--[(a) The 14 area agency shall submit to the Department of Aging an annual 15 report describing and evaluating its programs and services 16 within thirty days after the close of the area agency's fiscal 17 year. 18 (b) The area agency shall submit to the department for 19 approval an area plan ninety days prior to the start of the area 20 agency's fiscal year. The area agency shall conduct, prior to 21 the submission of the area plan to the department for approval, 22 a public hearing on the area plan. If the department approves 23 the area plan, or fails to act within sixty days, the area plan 24 shall go into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year. If the 25 department disapproves the area plan, it shall forward the 26 reasons for disapproval to the area agency which shall have 27 twenty days to resubmit an amended area plan. If the department 28 approves the resubmitted area plan, it shall be effective at the 29 beginning of the fiscal year. If the resubmitted area plan is 30 disapproved, the department shall forward its revised area plan 19870H2015B3871 - 19 -
1 for implementation by the area agency at the beginning of the 2 fiscal year, provided that the department shall hold a hearing 3 in the area prior to such action and that the department may 4 authorize the continuation of the provision of services under 5 the current area plan for a period not to exceed ninety days.] 6 (a) Under provisions set forth by the department, the area 7 agency shall submit to the department a comprehensive area plan 8 on aging which clearly explains the area agency's objectives for 9 providing services to the aging of the planning and service 10 area. This plan may be submitted as part of a coordinated county 11 human service plan, provided that the format is approved by the 12 department. 13 (b) Each area agency, under provisions set forth by the 14 department, shall submit an annual report which describes and 15 evaluates its programs and services after the close of each year 16 of funding by the department. 17 Section 2210-A. Allocation of Resources.--(a) The area 18 agency shall receive a basic allocation of resources, consisting 19 of State and Federal funds weighted by the proportion of older 20 poor persons who reside in the planning and service area in 21 relation to the total number of older poor persons who reside in 22 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania utilizing poverty threshold 23 income standards as determined by the United States Office of 24 Management and Budget except that each area agency shall be held 25 harmless to the amount of [such] State funds received in the 26 preceding program year [in which this act becomes effective]. 27 (b) The department may allocate additional resources to area 28 agencies based upon the total number of older persons who reside 29 within the planning and service area, the availability of 30 transportation services, the rural-urban distribution of older 19870H2015B3871 - 20 -
1 persons, and attendant rural program cost differentials, the 2 need for social and medical services, the amount of funds 3 devoted by county commissioners for older persons and other 4 special circumstances as determined by the secretary. 5 (c) Funds appropriated to carry out the purposes of this act 6 shall be distributed to the local authorities or nonprofit 7 agencies as grants or cost reimbursement for services to the 8 aging, if there is an acceptable plan in accordance with section 9 2209-A. 10 [(d) The Department of Public Welfare shall transfer, for 11 three State fiscal years immediately subsequent to the effective 12 date of this act, to the Department of Aging a proportion of the 13 State allotment under Title XX of the Social Security Act at 14 least equal to the proportion of such funds, including training 15 and administrative funds, allocated to the office for the aging 16 in relation to the State's total allotment in the same fiscal 17 year as the effective date of this act.] 18 Section 2212-A. Demonstration Programs.--In recognition of 19 the need for expanded knowledge and experience concerning the 20 status of older persons in Pennsylvania, the Secretary of Aging 21 may provide for research and demonstration programs for the 22 purpose of: 23 (1) Studying current living conditions and needs of older 24 persons, with special emphasis on persons with low income, 25 MEDICAL AND functional disabilities, advanced age and isolated <-- 26 living situations. 27 (2) Studying existing methods and alternatives for providing 28 services, programs and opportunities to older persons. 29 (3) Identifying those factors of particular detriment or 30 benefit to the welfare of older persons. 19870H2015B3871 - 21 -
1 (4) Developing new approaches and alternatives for living 2 arrangements, social services, institutional care, health 3 services, legal representation and the coordination of community 4 services for older persons. 5 SECTION 2. SECTION 2402(D) OF THE ACT, AMENDED OCTOBER 23, <-- 6 1988 (P.L. , NO.122), IS AMENDED TO READ: 7 SECTION 2402. GROUNDS, BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS IN GENERAL.-- 8 * * * 9 (D) TO CONTRACT IN WRITING FOR AND RENT PROPER AND ADEQUATE 10 OFFICES, ROOMS, OR OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS, OUTSIDE OF THE CAPITOL 11 BUILDINGS, FOR ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD, OR COMMISSION, WHICH 12 CANNOT BE PROPERLY AND ADEQUATELY ACCOMMODATED WITH OFFICES, 13 ROOMS, AND ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CAPITOL BUILDINGS; AND, IN ALL 14 CASES IN WHICH THE HEAD OF A DEPARTMENT, FOR SUCH DEPARTMENT OR 15 FOR A DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OR COMMISSION WITHIN 16 SUCH DEPARTMENT, OR AN INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OR 17 COMMISSION, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, HAS 18 ESTABLISHED OR IS ABOUT TO ESTABLISH A BRANCH OFFICE IN ANY CITY 19 OR PLACE OUTSIDE OF THE CAPITAL CITY, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE 20 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS, TO 21 CONTRACT IN WRITING FOR AND RENT SUCH OFFICES, ROOMS, AND OTHER 22 ACCOMMODATIONS, AS SHALL BE PROPER AND ADEQUATE FOR SUCH 23 DEPARTMENT, BOARD, OR COMMISSION. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL RENT SUCH 24 GARAGES OR CONTRACT FOR SUCH GARAGE SPACE AS MAY BE NECESSARY 25 FOR THE ACCOMMODATION OF STATE-OWNED AUTOMOBILES, EITHER IN OR 26 OUTSIDE OF THE CAPITAL CITY, AT SUCH RENTALS OR RATES AS IT 27 SHALL DEEM REASONABLE. THE DEPARTMENT MAY ALSO, IF THE GENERAL 28 ASSEMBLY SHALL HAVE APPROPRIATED FUNDS THEREFOR, LEASE ANY LANDS 29 WHICH MAY BE NECESSARY FOR USE BY ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD, OR 30 COMMISSION IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS OR THE PERFORMANCE OF 19870H2015B3871 - 22 -
1 ITS DUTIES. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT, 2 BOARD, COMMISSION, OR AGENCY OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENTER 3 INTO ANY LEASES, BUT THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES SHALL 4 ACT ONLY AS AGENT IN EXECUTING LEASES FOR DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS, 5 AND COMMISSIONS, THE EXPENSES OF WHICH ARE PAID WHOLLY OR MAINLY 6 OUT OF SPECIAL FUNDS, AND, IN SUCH CASES, THE RENTALS SHALL BE 7 PAID OUT OF SUCH SPECIAL FUNDS. ANY NONPROFIT CORPORATION WHICH 8 LEASES LANDS, OFFICES OR ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE COMMONWEALTH FOR 9 ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD, COMMISSION OR AGENCY WITH A RENTAL AMOUNT 10 IN EXCESS OF ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS 11 ($1,500,000) PER YEAR SHALL BE DEEMED AN AGENCY AS DEFINED BY 12 THE ACT OF JULY 3, 1986 (P.L.388, NO.84), KNOWN AS THE "SUNSHINE 13 ACT," AND THE ACT OF JUNE 21, 1957 (P.L.390, NO.212), REFERRED 14 TO AS THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW, AND ANY SUCH NONPROFIT CORPORATION 15 SHALL BE SUBJECT TO AND GOVERNED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE 16 "SUNSHINE ACT" AND THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW. 17 * * * 18 Section 2 3. All acts and parts of acts are repealed insofar <-- 19 as they are inconsistent with this act. 20 Section 3 4. (a) This act shall constitute the legislation <-- 21 necessary to reestablish the Department of Aging under the act 22 of December 22, 1981 (P.L.508, No.142), known as the Sunset Act. 23 (b) The Department of Aging shall terminate December 31, 24 1997, unless reestablished pursuant to the Sunset Act. 25 (c) Persons who are members of the Pennsylvania Council on 26 Aging, on the effective date of this act, shall serve on the 27 council provided for in this act until their current terms 28 expire, provided that any current members whose terms have 29 expired on or before the effective date of this act shall serve 30 until their successors are duly appointed and qualified, but no 19870H2015B3871 - 23 -
1 longer than six months after the effective date of this act.
2 (d) Each rule and regulation of the Department of Aging in
3 effect on the effective date of this act shall remain in effect
4 until amended by the department, provided that the department
5 shall immediately initiate the repeal or amendment of a rule or
6 regulation which is inconsistent with the provisions of this
7 act.
8 Section 4 5. This act shall take effect immediately. <--
K19L71DGS/19870H2015B3871 - 24 -