ATLANTA (February 3, 2014) | The Georgia State Senate passed Senate Bill 291 today by a vote of 45 to 5. Sen. Renee Unterman (R—Buford), Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, sponsored this legislation to repeal the Division of Aging Services and establish Georgia Adult and Aging Services Agency and its governing board.
“I am excited the Senate has chosen to ensure the health and happiness of our valuable citizens,” said Sen. Unterman. “Georgia’s senior population is expected to grow by more than 65 percent over the next 16 years. This bill would make sure our system is more effective, efficient and transparent. The new Adult and Aging Services Agency and its governing board will also increase access of care and support for our state’s older citizens.”
Under this legislation, the Georgia Adult and Aging Services Agency will replace the Georgia Division of Aging Services. The agency will serve as the designated state entity for administering the Older Americans Act of 1965, adult guardianship services, the Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia’s State Plan, the state Ombudsman program, as well as long-term services and support.
Once created, the duties, powers and authority previously exercised by the Department of Aging Services will be transferred to the Georgia Adult and Aging Services Agency on July 1, 2014. The agency will be assigned to the Department of Human Services solely for administrative services, and will submit budget and policy recommendations separately to the Governor and the General Assembly.
The agency will also be required to prepare a plan and program to meet the ongoing needs of older adults in Georgia, including encouraging and assisting in the development of programs for older adults throughout Georgia’s 159 counties.
The agency’s governing board will consist of seven members who have either been recipients of or administered adult or aging services in Georgia.
Senate Bill 291 will now transfer to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028