(b) This article establishes an array of services which are to be provided at a no cost or at a reasonable cost for senior citizens: Provided, That nothing in this article may be construed to require the provision of any service by the bureau. The service packages shall be prioritized first to in-home, community based clients to enable them to remain independent for as long as possible in local settings. Second level priority services shall be those which are preventive and supportive in nature.
(c) Management practice shall integrate programs with service providers and service options through a statewide delivery system.
(d) Programs shall recognize the strengths of the older population, especially in the areas of volunteerism and leadership, to improve the status of all older individuals in West Virginia.
(a) "Aging network" means the network of the bureau of senior services, area agencies on aging, and local providers of direct services to older individuals;
(b) "Bureau" refers to the bureau of senior services;
(c) "Commissioner" refers to the commissioner of the bureau of senior services;
(d) "Focal point" means a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals;
(e) "Older individual" or "older West Virginian" or "senior" or "senior citizen" means an individual who is sixty years of age or older;
(f) "State agency" refers to the bureau of senior services.
(a) Develop and administer the state plan as required by the federal administration on aging;
(b) Be the primary agency responsible for the planning, policy development, administration, coordination, priority setting and evaluation of activities related to this article;
(c) Serve as an effective and visible advocate for older West Virginians;
(d) Divide the state into distinct planning and service areas and designate for each area a public or private nonprofit agency or organization as the area agency on aging as required by the federal administration on aging;
(e) Provide technical assistance and information to area agencies on aging and local service providers as appropriate and conduct monitoring of area agencies on aging to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and standards;
(f) Maintain client and service data using a standardized computer client tracking system through which all providers shall report required information;
(g) Maintain letters of agreement with the state department of health and human resources to provide program operations of the personal care and aged and disabled waiver programs; and
(h) Maintain a registry of companies and organizations that provide free medications or provide assistance to persons in securing medications, and make this information available to consumers through all local senior programs.
(a) Prepare and develop an area plan in a format provided by the bureau and as required by the federal administration on aging;
(b) Enter into agreements and contracts with local service providers for the provision of supportive services and nutrition services funded through the federal administration on aging;
(c) Designate, where feasible, a focal point for service delivery in each community;
(d) Establish an advisory council in accordance with the requirements of the federal administration on aging;
(e) Serve as an effective and visible advocate for older West Virginians; and
(f) Provide appropriate technical assistance and information to local service providers and conduct monitoring of local service providers to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and standards.
(1) Determine the needs of seniors in the particular geographic area covered by gaining input from the seniors themselves, their families and care givers;
(2) Develop a plan of service based on the needs of the seniors in a format provided by the area agency;
(3) Provide supportive services, nutrition services and senior centers which shall, within available funding, meet the identified needs of seniors;
(4) Serve as an effective and visible advocate for older West Virginians; and
(5) Participate in the bureau's client tracking system.
(b) Service providers who offer medicaid reimbursed services shall:
(1)Comply with appropriate medicaid regulations and policies including provider agreements, program manuals and program instructions;
(2) Maintain client files, provider information and report as required for the determination of compliance with established program standards as determined by the bureau for medical services; and
(3) Participate in the bureau's client tracking system.
(a) In-home services for those who are frail or at risk of becoming institutionalized; and
(b) Disease prevention and health screening services.
(b) The bureau may sponsor the following special activities for older West Virginians: Governor's golden mountaineer program, a discount program for goods and services at participating merchants, an annual senior citizens conference providing educational and entertainment opportunities, a governor's summit on aging, a silver haired legislature and an annual senior day at the Legislature. The bureau may sponsor additional special activities as necessary.
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session
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