Advocacy
Reviewing Older Americans Act Regulations
By Maddy Bynes, Special to Never Too Late
services are administered across the nation. The nature of aging services has changed as well. During the reauthorization process, Congress has added the Family Caregiver Supportive Services Program and the Evidence- Based Health Promotion Program, both of which are not articulated in current regulations. This year, the Administration for Community Living requested information from the Aging Network in preparation for a major set of changes to the regulations so that they can match the federal legislation and keep up to date with current business practices. The proposed changes were released for comment in June, and stakeholders and the public can comment on these proposed changes by August 15th. These changes are wide-ranging and have various impacts. Changes to the definition of “greatest social need” recognizes the social and societal disparities that minority communities face as they age. Particularly, populations like the LGBTQI+ and HIV-positive communities have been added to the definition to increase inclusivity and equity in service. The changes also included broader regulations around emergency planning, which was critical for Area Agencies on Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In 2020, Congress passed, and Former President Trump signed into law, the Older Americans Act reauthorization. Reauthorization is a process where Congress regularly reviews and rewrites law to ensure that it meets the needs of the present day. This reauthorization process happens every five years at the federal level and helps Congress, the Administration for Community Living, State Units on Aging, and Area Agencies on Aging be able to stay up to date with services and best practices that will allow for the best care for older Americans. When Congress passes a law, the law goes to the designated executive agency to then administer the funding across the nation. Agencies are allowed to implement rules and regulations to ensure the law is executed, and agencies and states receiving the funds are accountable to the intent of the law. The Older Americans Act Regulations are administered by the Administration for Community Living. The Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging last reviewed and changed regulations to the Older Americans Act in 1988, thirty-five years ago. Over those years, so much has changed in our world. Technological changes such as online communications, cell phones, and other innovations have changed how
Other changes can be viewed as less favorable, putting unnecessary restrictions or red tape in place without increased funding to accommodate the changes. For instance, proposed expanded flexibilities surrounding home-delivered and congregate meals have many positive benefits for our community but fail to recognize the programmatic changes that would increase costs and administrative burden for Area Agencies on Aging. With potential funding cuts due to the ending of one-time pandemic- era funding, these regulations may become difficult for Area Agencies on Aging to implement. To read more about the proposed regulations, visit https://pcoa.org/ ProposedOAAUpdate/ . We encourage you to submit comments and help the Administration for Community Living understand how proposed rule changes could impact your life.
August 2023, Never Too Late | Page 29
Pima Council on Aging
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