POLISHED-Q1-2024 -Leaps and Bounds

Historical Evolution of Programs for Older Americans

Historical Evolution of Programs for Older Americans (cont.)

The Nursing Home Reform Act (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) mandated that nursing facility residents have “direct and immediate access to ombudspersons when protection and advocacy services become necessary.” Simultaneously, the OAA reauthorization charged states to guarantee ombudsman access to facilities and patient records, provided important legal protections, authorized

of elder rights and calls for a 1995 White House Conference on Aging. The elevation of Commissioner on Aging to Assistant Secretary for Aging. OAA amendments added a new Title VII “Vulnerable Elder Rights Activities” which included the long-term care ombudsman; prevention of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation; elder rights and legal assistance development; and benefits outreach, counseling and assistance programs. The legislation emphasized the value of the four programs coordinating their efforts. The amendments highlighted the role of local ombudsman programs and the state ombudsman’s role as leader of the statewide program and advocate and agent for systemwide change. 1993 Fernando M. Torres-Gil was sworn in as the first Assistant Secretary for Aging in the Department of Health and Human Services on May 6, 1993 . 1995 White House Conference on Aging convened May 2–5, 1995 in Washington, D.C. 30th Anniversaries of Older Americans Act, Medicare, Medicaid & the Foster Grandparent Program. 60th Anniversary of Social Security Operation Restore Trust Initiated 1997 Jeanette C. Takamura, Ph.D., was sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on December 8, 1997.

1999 International Year of Older Persons: A Society for All Ages 2000 Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 signed into law (P.L. 106- 501), establishing the new National Family Caregiver Support Program, and reauthorizing the OAA for 5 years on November 13, 2000. 2001 HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson released $113 million for first National Family Caregiver Support Programs grants to states on February 15, 2001. Josefina G. Carbonell sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Aging on August 8, 2001. 2002 Kick off of 30th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program in March.

2006 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug program (part of MMA) went into effect Enactment of the Lifespan Respite Care Act (administered by AoA) Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 signed into law (P.L. 109-365), embedding the principles of consumer information for long-term care planning, evidence-based prevention programs, and self-directed community based services to older individuals at risk of institutionalization. OAA was reauthorized for 5 years on October 17, 2006. 2009 Kathy Greenlee appointed by President Obama as 4th Assistant Secretary for Aging 2010 Enactment of the Affordable Care Act 2011 First of the nation’s baby boomers turn 65 2012 Administration for Community Living established on April 18, 2012, bringing together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

state ombudsmen to designate local

ombudsman programs and required that ombudsman programs have adequate legal counsel. 1989 Joyce Berry named Commissioner on Aging 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act extended protection from discrimination in employment and public accommodations to persons with disabilities. Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act reauthorized the HUD Section, 202 Elderly Housing program, and provided for supportive service demonstration programs. Age Discrimination in Employment Act made it illegal, in most circumstances, for companies to discriminate against older workers in employee benefits.

2003 Enactment of the

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) 2005 5th White House Conference on Aging was held in Washington, D.C.

Source: https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act

1992 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act places increased focus on caregivers, intergenerational programs, protection

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