Bill Text: CT HB06717 | 2015 | General Assembly | Chaptered
Bill Title: An Act Concerning The State Aging And Disability Resource Center Program.
Spectrum: Committee Bill
Status: (Passed) 2015-06-04 - Signed by the Governor [HB06717 Detail]
Download: Connecticut-2015-HB06717-Chaptered.html
Substitute House Bill No. 6717
AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 17a-316a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015):
(a) The Commissioner on Aging shall develop and administer a [Community Choices] program to provide a single, coordinated system of information and access for individuals seeking long-term support, including in-home, community-based and institutional services. The [Community Choices] program shall be the state Aging and Disability Resource Center Program in accordance with the federal Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006, P. L. 109-365 and shall be administered as part of the Department on Aging's CHOICES program in accordance with subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 17a-314. Consumers served by the [Community Choices] program shall include, but not be limited to, those sixty years of age or older and those eighteen years of age or older with disabilities and caregivers.
(b) The [Community Choices] program shall, within available resources, provide (1) information, referral and assistance concerning aging and disability issues and long-term care planning; (2) comprehensive assessments to identify possible consumer needs or desires; (3) counseling for purposes of obtaining (A) employment or employment-related services, (B) screening for public benefits and private resources, and (C) information on long-term care planning; (4) follow-up to ensure consumer referrals were appropriate and to offer additional assistance and individual advocacy if needed; (5) support to consumers making decisions about current and future supports and services; (6) coordination of transitions between providers or sites of care; (7) preparation and distribution of written materials regarding the availability of [Community Choices] program services; (8) maintenance of a toll-free telephone number; (9) assistance in improving and managing the program, monitoring quality and measuring responsiveness of systems of care; (10) assistance as necessary to conform to federal and other grant requirements; and (11) other related services.
(c) The commissioner shall establish program requirements and procedures for entering into agreements to operate the [Community Choices] program. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.