Ala. Admin. Code r. 70-X-2-.03

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 70-X-2-.03 - Area Agency On Aging Functions And Responsibilities

(1) Within the planning and service area an area agency shall:

(a) Serve as an effective and visible advocate and focal point for older persons of the planning and service area, and

(b) Develop and administer the area plan for a comprehensive and coordinated system of services for older persons.

(2) Each area agency shall agree to the following responsibilities:

(a) Establish and maintain an Advisory Council. Membership of the Advisory Council shall be composed of persons residing within the planning and service area.

(b) Establish and maintain an adequate staff to administer the Area Plan.

(c) Plan social, health, nutrition and in-home services to meet the current and projected needs of older persons of the planning and service area, within the limits of available funds.

(d) Contract with service providers to assist socially or economically needy older persons, using priorities for services with special emphasis on target populations outlined in the Older Americans Act of 1965, as established locally by needs assessment information.

(e) Area Agencies on Aging shall have procedures for handling complaints from persons who complain that service has been denied, terminated or reduced improperly under any programs funded by the Older Americans Act. The procedures shall include at a minimum an opportunity to submit facts and information orally or in writing to support the complaint and a written decision from the area agency containing the reasons for its decision. Area Agencies on Aging shall require service providers funded under the area plan to have procedures for handling such complaints. The area agency shall have the final decision authority regarding client complaints.

(f) Provide programmatic technical assistance to service providers and monitor and assess services provided under the area plan. Monitoring by the area agency shall determine the provider's compliance with state and federal law and rules.

(g) Provide financial management services, technical assistance and financial monitoring of the operations of the service providers and maintain accountability for all funds awarded by contract, subgrant or memorandum of understanding by the Department.

(h) Provide training and staff development necessary for the implementation of the area plan.

(i) Accurately prepare and, in a timely manner, submit programmatic and fiscal reports required by Departmental policies.

(j) Coordinate with other programs for older persons to assure a comprehensive service delivery system.

(k) Have in place a conflict of interest policy for advisory council members, staff and service providers.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 70-X-2-.03

Filed May 20, 1992. Repealed and New Rule: Filed June 5, 2009; effective July 10, 2009.

Author: Irene B. Collins, Commissioner

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 38-3-8 and 38-3-9 Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended ( Public Law 109-365 ), 45 C.F.R. §1321.