Sec. 17a-317. Department on Aging. Duties of the commissioner. Transfer of the Division of Elderly Services of the Department of Social Services. Regulations. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 17a-317. Department on Aging. Duties of the commissioner. Transfer of the Division of Elderly Services of the Department of Social Services. Regulations. (a) Effective July 1, 2008, there shall be established a Department on Aging which shall be under the direction and supervision of the Commissioner on Aging who shall be appointed by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive, with the powers and duties prescribed in said sections. The commissioner shall be knowledgeable and experienced with respect to the conditions and needs of elderly persons and shall serve on a full-time basis.

      (b) The Commissioner on Aging shall administer all laws under the jurisdiction of the Department on Aging and shall employ the most efficient and practical means for the provision of care and protection of elderly persons. The commissioner shall have the power and duty to do the following: (1) Administer, coordinate and direct the operation of the department; (2) adopt and enforce regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, as necessary to implement the purposes of the department as established by statute; (3) establish rules for the internal operation and administration of the department; (4) establish and develop programs and administer services to achieve the purposes of the department; (5) contract for facilities, services and programs to implement the purposes of the department; (6) act as advocate for necessary additional comprehensive and coordinated programs for elderly persons; (7) assist and advise all appropriate state, federal, local and area planning agencies for elderly persons in the performance of their functions and duties pursuant to federal law and regulation; (8) plan services and programs for elderly persons; (9) coordinate outreach activities by public and private agencies serving elderly persons; and (10) consult and cooperate with area and private planning agencies.

      (c) The functions, powers, duties and personnel of the Division of Elderly Services of the Department of Social Services, or any subsequent division or portion of a division with similar functions, powers, personnel and duties, shall be transferred to the Department on Aging pursuant to the provisions of sections 4-38d, 4-38e and 4-39.

      (d) Any order or regulation of the Department of Social Services or the Commission on Aging that is in force on July 1, 2008, shall continue in force and effect as an order or regulation until amended, repealed or superseded pursuant to law.

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 53; P.A. 06-188, S. 54; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-2, S. 25.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective January 1, 2007; P.A. 06-188 changed effective date of section from January 1, 2007, to July 1, 2007, effective May 26, 2006; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-2 amended Subsec. (a) by delaying establishment of Department on Aging until July 1, 2008, and amended Subsec. (d) by replacing "January 1, 2007" with "July 1, 2008", effective June 26, 2007.