Sec. 4. The bureau shall perform the following duties:
(1) Provide a comprehensive and coordinated service system for Indiana's aging population, giving high priority to those individuals in greatest need.
(2) Conduct studies and research into the needs and problems of the aging.
(3) Ensure participation by the aging in the planning and operation of all phases of the system.
(4) Provide a focal point for advocacy, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of programs for the aging and the aged.
(5) Provide for the performance of any other functions required by regulations established under the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.).
(6) Function as the sole state agency to develop a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of the aged.
(7) Evaluate programs, services, and facilities for the aged and determine the extent to which those programs, services, and facilities meet the needs of the aged.
(8) Coordinate programs, services, and facilities furnished for the aged by state agencies and make recommendations regarding those programs, services, and facilities to the governor and the general assembly.
(9) Receive and disburse federal money made available for providing services to the aged or related purposes.
(10) Administer any state plan for the aging required by federal law.
(11) Provide consultation and assistance to communities and groups developing local services for the aged.
(12) Promote community education regarding the problems of the aged through institutes, publications, radio, television, and the press.
(13) Cooperate with agencies of the federal government in studies and conferences designed to examine the needs of the aged and prepare programs and facilities to meet those needs.
(14) Establish and maintain information and referral sources throughout Indiana when not provided by other agencies.
(15) Act, in accordance with regulations established under the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), as the agent for providing state money to the area agencies on aging designated in each planning and service region in Indiana.
(16) Initiate, evaluate, and provide assistance for improving programs in cooperation with all other state agencies having concerns or responsibility for the aged.
(17) Conduct an annual conference on the problems of the aging and the aged.
(18) Designate area agencies on aging in each planning and service region in Indiana.
(19) Examine the needs of the aged and prepare programs and facilities to meet those needs.
(20) Issue orders under IC 4-21.5-3-6 when necessary in accordance with section 7 of this chapter.
[Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 4-28-3-4.]
As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.153-2011, SEC.6.