2023 -- H 6277

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LC002638

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTHY AGING FOR

GRANTS TO FUND THE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER NETWORK

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Donovan, Slater, Edwards, O'Brien, and
Cortvriend

     Date Introduced: April 07, 2023

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The concept of Aging and Disability Resources Centers (ADRCs) was

developed by the federal Administration on Community Living and the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid in the early 2000s and several states including Rhode Island implemented pilot ADRC

programs; and

     WHEREAS, The federal Older American's Act was amended in 2006 to require all states

to implement an ADRC but the limited funds provided are insufficient to support operating costs;

and

     WHEREAS, In 2018, the Rhode Island legislature enacted Rhode Island General Law §

42-66-4 mandating the Office of Healthy Aging to create the Rhode Island Aging and Disability

Resource Center, a centrally operated, coordinated system of information, referral, and options

counseling for all persons seeking long-term supports and services in order to enhance individual

choice, foster informed decision-making, and minimize confusion and duplication; and

     WHEREAS; State funds are needed to fully carry out the responsibilities of the ADRC

(known as THE POINT) to provide:

     (1) A statewide toll-free ADRC information number available during business hours with

a messaging system to respond to after­hours calls during the next business day and language

services to assist individuals with limited English language skills;

     (2) A comprehensive database of information, updated on a regular basis and accessible

through a dedicated website, on the full range of available public and private long-term support

and service programs, service providers and resources within the state and in specific

communities, including information on housing supports, transportation, and the availability of

integrated long-term care;

     (3) Personal options counseling, including implementing provisions required in § 40-8.9-

9, to assist individuals in assessing their existing or anticipated long-term care needs, and

assisting them to develop and implement a plan designed to meet their specific needs and

circumstances;

     (4) A means to link callers to the ADRC information line to interactive long-term care

screening tools and to make these tools available through the ADRC website by integrating the

tools into the website;

     (5) Development of partnerships, through memorandum agreements or other

arrangements, with other entities serving older adults and persons with disabilities, including

those working on nursing home transition and hospital discharge programs, to assist in

maintaining and providing ADRC services; and

     (6) Community education and outreach activities to inform persons about the ADRC

services, in finding information through the Internet and in planning for future long-term care

needs including housing and community service options; and

     WHEREAS, A fully functioning ADRC will support the State's long-term supports and

services modernization efforts and provide individuals and families with easily accessible

information needed to make care choices appropriate for their needs, circumstances and

preferences; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars

($500,000) to the Office of Healthy Aging to support the Aging and Disability Resource Center;

and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general

treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required,

upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTHY AGING FOR

GRANTS TO FUND THE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER NETWORK

***

     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of $500,000 to the Office of Healthy

Aging to support the Aging and Disability Resource Center to provide long-term supports and

services modernization efforts.

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LC002638

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