In Department of Aging, further providing for evaluation.
Impact
If enacted, HB372 will bring about significant changes to the oversight of funding and programs aimed at seniors within Pennsylvania. By instituting a system of regular evaluations and compliance reporting for area agencies, the bill aims to improve service delivery and accountability. The focus on obtaining beneficiary feedback on programs also underscores a shift towards more responsive governance in the welfare of older constituents, potentially leading to improved satisfaction with services provided and better tailored programming that meets the community's needs.
Summary
House Bill 372 seeks to amend the 1929 Administrative Code of Pennsylvania, specifically targeting the Department of Aging. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance the evaluation processes related to area agencies that are responsible for providing services to older adults. Under HB372, the Department of Aging will be mandated to continually review and assess the activities of these agencies, ensuring their compliance with established performance measures. This evaluation will include onsite assessments and the creation of compliance reports accessible to the public, reflecting the effectiveness of programs aimed at older adults.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB372 seems to be largely positive among proponents who view it as a necessary step to ensure accountability and continuous improvement in services for older adults. Supporters argue that regular evaluations will lead to better management of programs, ultimately benefiting the aging population in Pennsylvania. However, there may be concerns about the administrative burden this bill could impose on area agencies, particularly in terms of resource allocation for evaluations and compliance reporting.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive evaluation processes within the existing resources of area agencies. Critics could argue that while the intentions are positive, the added requirements for compliance and public reporting may stretch the capabilities of these agencies, particularly those that already face funding and staffing challenges. Additionally, there might be debate regarding the specific metrics used in the evaluations and how these will be defined to ensure fair assessments across varied programs.
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In powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry, its departmental administrative and advisory boards and departmental administrative officers, further providing for Elevator Safety Board.
In powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties and providing for regulatory flexibility during opioid epidemic.
In powers and duties of the Department of Health and its departmental administrative and advisory boards, further providing for Advisory Health Board; and abrogating a regulation.
In powers and duties of the Department of Public Instruction and its departmental administrative boards and commissions, further providing for collective bargaining.
In organization of departmental administrative boards and commissions and of advisory boards and commissions, further providing for State Planning Board.
In organization of departmental administrative boards and commissions and of advisory boards and commissions, further providing for State Planning Board.
Establishing the Department of Disability Rights, Employment, Accessibility and Mobility; in administrative organization, further providing for executive officers, administrative departments and independent administrative boards and commissions, for departmental administrative boards, commissions, and offices, for department heads and for gubernatorial appointments; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Disability Rights, Employment, Accessibility and Mobility.