2023 -- H 6277
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LC002638
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
____________
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 NETW ORK
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 1
developed by the federal Administration on Community Living and the Centers for Medicare and 2
Medicaid in the early 2000s and several states including Rhode Island implemented pilot ADRC 3
programs; and 4
WHEREAS, The federal Older American's Act was amended in 2006 to require all states 5
to implement an ADRC but the limited funds provided are insufficient to support operating costs; 6
and 7
WHEREAS, In 2018, the Rhode Island legislature enacted Rhode Island General Law § 8
42-66-4 mandating the Office of Healthy Aging to create the Rhode Island Aging and Disability 9
Resource Center, a centrally operated, coordinated system of information, referral, and options 10
counseling for all persons seeking long-term supports and services in order to enhance individual 11
choice, foster informed decision-making, and minimize confusion and duplication; and 12
WHEREAS; State funds are needed to fully carry out the responsibilities of the ADRC 13
(known as THE POINT) to provide: 14
(1) A statewide toll-free ADRC information number available during business hours with 15
a messaging system to respond to afterhours calls during the next business day and language 16
services to assist individuals with limited English language skills; 17
(2) A comprehensive database of information, updated on a regular basis and accessible 18
through a dedicated website, on the full range of available public and private long-term support 19
LC002638 - Page 2 of 3
and service programs, service providers and resources within the state and in specific 1
communities, including information on housing supports, transportation, and the availability of 2
integrated long-term care; 3
(3) Personal options counseling, including implementing provisions required in § 40-8.9-4
9, to assist individuals in assessing their existing or anticipated long-term care needs, and 5
assisting them to develop and implement a plan designed to meet their specific needs and 6
circumstances; 7
(4) A means to link callers to the ADRC information line to interactive long-term care 8
screening tools and to make these tools available through the ADRC website by integrating the 9
tools into the website; 10
(5) Development of partnerships, through memorandum agreements or other 11
arrangements, with other entities serving older adults and persons with disabilities, including 12
those working on nursing home transition and hospital discharge programs, to assist in 13
maintaining and providing ADRC services; and 14
(6) Community education and outreach activities to inform persons about the ADRC 15
services, in finding information through the Internet and in planning for future long-term care 16
needs including housing and community service options; and 17
WHEREAS, A fully functioning ADRC will support the State's long-term supports and 18
services modernization efforts and provide individuals and families with easily accessible 19
information needed to make care choices appropriate for their needs, circumstances and 20
preferences; now, therefore be it 21
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not 22
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars 23
($500,000) to the Office of Healthy Aging to support the Aging and Disability Resource Center; 24
and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general 25
treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, 26
upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. 27
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LC002638
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LC002638 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIAT ION OF $500,000 TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTHY AGING FOR
GRANTS TO FUND THE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER NETW ORK
***
This resolution would authorize the appropriation of $500,000 to the Office of Healthy 1
Aging to support the Aging and Disability Resource Center to provide long-term supports and 2
services modernization efforts. 3
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LC002638
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