Alabama Administrative Code Title 70 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR SERVICES, FORMERLY ALABAMA COMMISSION ON AGING
Title 70 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS), which was formerly known as the Alabama Commission on Aging. This title encompasses the rules and regulations governing the state's programs and services designed to support senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers.
Purpose and Functions of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS)
The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) is a cabinet-level state agency. Its overarching mission is to promote the independence and dignity of Alabama's senior and disabled populations through a comprehensive and coordinated system of quality services. ADSS is primarily responsible for carrying out the provisions of the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, in Alabama.
Key functions and responsibilities of ADSS include:
Administration of Statewide Programs: ADSS administers various programs on aging that cover all 67 counties in Alabama.
Oversight of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): The department works closely with Alabama's 13 statewide Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which are often part of Regional Planning Commissions or other local entities. These AAAs are the local "one-stop shops" for senior adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. ADSS designates and oversees these AAAs, ensuring they provide a wide array of services through contracts and grants to local public and private agencies.
Service Coordination: Coordinating a wide range of services to improve the quality of life and enhance the independence of seniors. These services include, but are not limited to:
Nutrition assistance: Senior meal programs (congregate and homebound).
Caregiver support: Programs like Alabama CARES, which provides assistance to individuals caring for loved ones.
Health promotion: Initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults.
Elder rights protection: Efforts to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation (though actual Adult Protective Services investigations are handled by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, ADSS would be involved in prevention and support services).
Employment opportunities: Programs that help older adults find and maintain employment.
Information and referral: Connecting seniors and caregivers to needed resources, often through the "1-800-AGE-LINE" (1-800-243-5463).
Medicare and prescription drug payment assistance.
Transportation services.
Legal assistance.
Advocacy and Leadership: Advocating for the needs of the aging population and providing leadership to help society and state government prepare for changing demographics.
Grant and Contract Management: Administering federal and state grants and contracts to fund various programs and service providers.
Structure of the Alabama Administrative Code for the Department of Senior Services (Title 70)
Title 70 is organized into several chapters, covering the administrative and programmatic aspects of ADSS's operations. It's important to note that administrative codes are frequently updated, and some chapters may be repealed or superseded over time.
Here are examples of chapters typically found within Title 70:
Chapter 70-X-1 - Organization and Administration: This foundational chapter outlines the mission and purpose of the Department, definitions of terms, duties under federal aging programs (like the Older Americans Act), general powers and duties, procedures for requests for information and public records, confidentiality, and rules for declaratory rulings and petitions for rule changes.
Chapter 70-X-2 - Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): This chapter is crucial as it defines the functions and responsibilities of the Area Agencies on Aging, which are the local delivery points for many senior services. It may cover how AAAs are designated, their reporting requirements, and their role in coordinating services.
Chapter 70-X-3 - Programs and Services: This chapter would likely detail the various service programs administered or overseen by ADSS, such as nutrition services, in-home services, caregiver support, senior employment, and health promotion.
Chapter 70-X-4 - Administrative Review: Outlines the process for administrative reviews within the Department.
Chapter 70-X-5 - Formal Hearings: Details the procedures for formal hearings concerning disputes or appeals related to ADSS programs or decisions.
Chapter 70-X-7 - Uniform Administrative and Fiscal Requirements: This chapter sets forth consistent administrative and financial standards for entities receiving grants or contracts from ADSS, ensuring proper use of funds and accountability.
Chapter 70-X-9 - Procurement and Property Management Standards: While some sections may be repealed if procurement is centralized elsewhere, this chapter would traditionally cover the standards for purchasing and managing property related to ADSS programs.
Note on Repealed Chapters: You might notice many chapters listed as "Repealed" (e.g., 70-X-6 Uniform Service Requirements, 70-X-8 Cost Principles, 70-X-10 Reporting Requirements, 70-X-11 Grant/Contract Closeout, Suspension and Termination, 70-X-12 Audit and Record Requirements, 70-X-13 Hearing Procedures for Aggrieved Parties). This is common in administrative codes. It often means that:
The content was moved and integrated into other, more general chapters (like 70-X-7 for uniform administrative and fiscal requirements).
The state has adopted broader, statewide administrative rules that apply to all agencies, making agency-specific rules redundant.
The programs or requirements themselves have changed or been eliminated.
Where to Find the Rules:
The official and most up-to-date source for the Alabama Administrative Code, including Title 70 for the Alabama Department of Senior Services, is the Alabama Legislative Services Agency's website, which publishes the Alabama Administrative Code.
You can also find them on legal information platforms like:
The Alabama Department of Senior Services official website (alabamaageline.gov) is also an excellent resource. It provides information about their programs, services, and often offers links to relevant statutes and administrative rules, along with contact information for the 1-800-AGE-LINE.
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