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S. 192 (114th): Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016

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The text of the bill below is as of Feb 3, 2015 (Reported by Senate Committee).

Summary of this bill

S. 192 would amend and reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), which establishes services and protections to Americans above the age of 60. The OAA funds caretaking, nutritional, and health services for older Americans; and for ombudsman programs to protect from abuse or negligence within these services.

The reauthorization passed unanimously in the Senate on July 16, 2015 and now awaits consideration in the House.

About the Older Americans Act:

The OAA details federal grants and programs for the support of older Americans. Its latest version was authorized in 2006 and can be found on the Administration for Community Living (ACL) website. ACL is a collaboration of Department of …

II

Calendar No. 12

114th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 192

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 20, 2015

(for himself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Burr, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Isakson, Ms. Murkowski, Ms. Collins, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Leahy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

February 3, 2015

Reported by , without amendment

A BILL

To reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015.

2.

Definitions

Section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002) is amended—

(1)

by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

(1)

The term abuse means the knowing infliction of physical or psychological harm or the knowing deprivation of goods or services that are necessary to meet essential needs or to avoid physical or psychological harm.

;

(2)

by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

(3)

The term adult protective services means such services provided to adults as the Secretary may specify and includes services such as—

(A)

receiving reports of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation;

(B)

investigating the reports described in subparagraph (A);

(C)

case planning, monitoring, evaluation, and other casework and services; and

(D)

providing, arranging for, or facilitating the provision of medical, social service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, or other protective, emergency, or support services.

;

(3)

by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

(4)

The term Aging and Disability Resource Center means an entity, network, or consortium established by a State as part of the State system of long-term care, to provide a coordinated and integrated system for older individuals and individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)), and the caregivers of older individuals and individuals with disabilities, that provides—

(A)

comprehensive information on the full range of available public and private long-term care programs, options, service providers, and resources within a community, including information on the availability of integrated long-term care services, and Federal or State programs that provide long-term care services and supports through home and community-based service programs;

(B)

person-centered counseling to assist individuals in assessing their existing or anticipated long-term care needs and goals, and developing and implementing a person-centered plan for long-term care that is consistent with the desires of such an individual and designed to meet the individual's specific needs, goals, and circumstances;

(C)

access for individuals to the full range of publicly-supported long-term care services and supports for which the individuals may be eligible, including home and community-based service options, by serving as a convenient point of entry for such programs and supports; and

(D)

in cooperation with area agencies on aging, centers for independent living described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.), and other community-based entities, information and referrals regarding available home and community-based services for individuals who are at risk for residing in, or who reside in, institutional settings, so that the individuals have the choice to remain in or to return to the community.

;

(4)

in paragraph (14)(B), by inserting oral health, after bone density,;

(5)

by striking paragraph (17) and inserting the following:

(17)

The term elder justice means—

(A)

from a societal perspective, efforts to—

(i)

prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and

(ii)

protect older individuals with diminished capacity while maximizing their autonomy; and

(B)

from an individual perspective, the recognition of an older individual’s rights, including the right to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

; and

(6)

in paragraph (18)(A), by striking term exploitation means and inserting terms exploitation and financial exploitation mean.

3.

Administration on Aging

(a)

Best practices

Section 201 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3011) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (d)(3)—

(A)

in subparagraph (H), by striking 202(a)(21) and inserting 202(a)(18);

(B)

in subparagraph (K), by striking and at the end;

(C)

in subparagraph (L)—

(i)

by striking Older Americans Act Amendments of 1992 and inserting Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015; and

(ii)

by striking 712(h)(4). and inserting 712(h)(5); and; and

(D)

by adding at the end the following:

(M)

collect and analyze best practices related to responding to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in long-term care facilities, and publish a report of such best practices.

; and

(2)

in subsection (e)(2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting , and in coordination with the heads of State adult protective services programs and the Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs after and services.

(b)

Training

Section 202 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3012) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (5), by inserting health and economic before needs of older individuals;

(B)

in paragraph (7), by inserting health and economic before welfare;

(C)

in paragraph (14), by inserting (including the Health Resources and Services Administration) after other agencies;

(D)

in paragraph (27), by striking and at the end;

(E)

in paragraph (28), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and

(F)

by adding at the end the following:

(29)

provide information and technical assistance to States, area agencies on aging, and service providers, in collaboration with relevant Federal agencies, on providing efficient, person-centered transportation services, including across geographic boundaries;

(30)

identify model programs and provide information and technical assistance to States, area agencies on aging, and service providers (including providers operating multipurpose senior centers), to support the modernization of multipurpose senior centers; and

(31)

provide technical assistance to and share best practices with States, area agencies on aging, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers, on how to collaborate and coordinate services with health care entities, such as Federally-qualified health centers, as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B)), in order to improve care coordination for individuals with multiple chronic illnesses.

;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in paragraph (5)—

(i)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and after the semicolon;

(ii)

in subparagraph (C), by inserting and after the semicolon; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

when feasible, developing, in consultation with States and national organizations, a consumer-friendly tool to assist older individuals and their families in choosing home and community-based services, with a particular focus on ways for consumers to assess how providers protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights, including the rights provided under section 314, of older individuals;

;

(B)

in paragraph (8)—

(i)

in subparagraph (B), by inserting to identify and articulate goals of care and after individuals;

(ii)

in subparagraph (D)—

(I)

by inserting respond to or before plan; and

(II)

by striking future long-term care needs; and and inserting long-term care needs;;

(iii)

in subparagraph (E), by adding and at the end; and

(iv)

by adding at the end the following:

(F)

to provide information and referrals regarding available home and community-based services for individuals who are at risk for residing in, or who reside in, institutional settings, so that the individuals have the choice to remain in or to return to the community;

; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(g)

The Assistant Secretary shall, as appropriate, ensure that programs authorized under this Act include appropriate training in the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and provision of services that address elder justice and the exploitation of older individuals.

.

(c)

Reports

Section 207(a) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3018(a)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (2), by striking 202(a)(19) and inserting 202(a)(16); and

(2)

in paragraph (4), by striking 202(a)(17) and inserting 202(a)(14).

(d)

Authorization of appropriations

Section 216 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3020f) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), by striking 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and inserting 2016, 2017, and 2018;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

by striking 202(a)(24) and inserting 202(a)(21); and

(B)

by striking 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and inserting 2016, 2017, and 2018; and

(3)

in subsection (c), by striking 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and inserting 2016, 2017, and 2018.

4.

State and community programs on aging

(a)

Authorization of appropriations

Section 303 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3023) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(1), by striking fiscal years 2007 and all that follows and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking fiscal years 2007 and all that follows and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.; and

(B)

in paragraph (2), by striking fiscal years 2007 and all that follows and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.;

(3)

in subsection (d), by striking fiscal years 2007 and all that follows and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.; and

(4)

in subsection (e)(2), by striking 2011 and inserting 2011 and each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.

(b)

Allotment

Section 304 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3024) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(3), by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following:

(D)
(i)

For each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018, no State shall be allotted an amount that is less than 99 percent of the amount allotted to such State for the previous fiscal year.

(ii)

For fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year, no State shall be allotted an amount that is less than 100 percent of the amount allotted to such State for fiscal year 2018.

; and

(2)

in subsection (b), by striking subpart 1 of.

(c)

Planning and service areas

Section 305(b)(5)(C)(i)(III) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3025(b)(5)(C)(i)(III)) is amended by striking planning and services areas and inserting planning and service areas.

(d)

Area plans

Section 306 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3026) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking establishment, maintenance, or construction of multipurpose senior centers, and inserting establishment, maintenance, modernization, or construction of multipurpose senior centers (including a plan to use the skills and services of older individuals in paid and unpaid work, including multigenerational and older individual to older individual work),; and

(B)

in paragraph (6)—

(i)

in subparagraph (G), by adding and at the end; and

(ii)

by adding at the end the following:

(H)

in coordination with the State agency and with the State agency responsible for elder abuse prevention services, increase public awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and remove barriers to education, prevention, investigation, and treatment of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as appropriate;

; and

(2)

in subsection (b)(3)—

(A)

in subparagraph (J), by striking and at the end;

(B)

by redesignating subparagraph (K) as subparagraph (L); and

(C)

by inserting after subparagraph (J) the following:

(K)

protection from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and

.

(e)

State plans

Section 307(a)(2)(A) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3027(a)(2)(A)) is amended by striking 202(a)(29) and inserting 202(a)(26).

(f)

Nutrition services incentive program

Section 311(e) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030a(e)) is amended by striking fiscal year 2007 and all that follows and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018..

(g)

Supportive services

Section 321 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030d) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking or referral services and inserting referral, chronic condition self-care management, or falls prevention services;

(B)

in paragraph (8), by striking (including and all that follows and inserting the following: (including mental and behavioral health screening and falls prevention services screening) to detect or prevent (or both) illnesses and injuries that occur most frequently in older individuals; and

(C)

in paragraph (15), by inserting before the semicolon the following: , and screening for elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation;

(2)

in subsection (b)(1), by inserting or modernization after construction;

(3)

in subsection (c), by inserting before the period the following: , and pursue opportunities for the development of intergenerational shared site models for programs or projects, consistent with the purposes of this Act; and

(4)

by adding at the end the following:

(e)

In this section, the term adult child with a disability means a child who—

(1)

is age 18 or older;

(2)

is financially dependent on an older individual who is a parent of the child; and

(3)

has a disability.

.

(h)

Home delivered nutrition services program

Section 336(1) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030f(1)) is amended by striking canned and all that follows through meals and inserting canned, or fresh foods and, as appropriate, supplemental foods, and any additional meals.

(i)

Nutrition services

Section 339 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030g–21) is amended

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking solicit and inserting utilize; and

(2)

in paragraph (2)—

(A)

in subparagraph (J), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in subparagraph (K), by striking the period and inserting , and; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(L)

where feasible, encourages the use of locally grown foods in meal programs and identifies potential partnerships and contracts with local producers and providers of locally grown foods.

.

(j)

Evidence-Based disease prevention and health promotion services program

Part D of title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030m et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in the part heading, by inserting Evidence-Based before Disease; and

(2)

in section 361(a), by inserting evidence-based after to provide.

(k)

Older relative caregivers

(1)

Technical amendment

Part E of title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030s et seq.) is amended by striking the subpart heading for subpart 1.

(2)

Definitions

Section 372 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 3030s) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (a)—

(i)

in paragraph (1), by striking or who is an individual with a disability; and

(ii)

by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

(2)

Individual with a disability

The term individual with a disability means an individual with a disability, as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102), who is not less than age 18 and not more than age 59.

(3)

Older relative caregiver

The term older relative caregiver means a caregiver who—

(A)
(i)

is age 55 or older; and

(ii)

lives with, is the informal provider of in-home and community care to, and is the primary caregiver for, a child or an individual with a disability;

(B)

in the case of a caregiver for a child—

(i)

is the grandparent, stepgrandparent, or other relative (other than the parent) by blood, marriage, or adoption, of the child;

(ii)

is the primary caregiver of the child because the biological or adoptive parents are unable or unwilling to serve as the primary caregivers of the child; and

(iii)

has a legal relationship to the child, such as legal custody, adoption, or guardianship, or is raising the child informally; and

(C)

in the case of a caregiver for an individual with a disability, is the parent, grandparent, or other relative by blood, marriage, or adoption, of the individual with a disability.

; and

(B)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

by striking subpart and all that follows through family caregivers and inserting part, for family caregivers;

(ii)

by striking ; and and inserting a period; and

(iii)

by striking paragraph (2).

(l)

National family caregiver support program

Section 373 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3030s–1) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(2), by striking grandparents or older individuals who are relative caregivers. and inserting older relative caregivers.;

(2)

in subsection (c)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking grandparents and older individuals who are relative caregivers, and who and inserting older relative caregivers, who; and

(B)

in paragraph (2)(B), by striking to older individuals providing care to individuals with severe disabilities, including children with severe disabilities and inserting to older relative caregivers of children with severe disabilities, or individuals with disabilities who have severe disabilities;

(3)

in subsection (e)(3), by striking grandparents or older individuals who are relative caregivers and inserting older relative caregivers;

(4)

in subsection (f)(1)(A), by striking for fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and inserting for a fiscal year; and

(5)

in subsection (g)(2)(C), by striking grandparents and older individuals who are relative caregivers of a child who is not more than 18 years of age and inserting older relative caregivers.

(m)

Conforming amendment

Part E of title III is amended by striking this subpart each place it appears and inserting this part.

5.

Activities for health, independence, and longevity

(a)

Grant programs

Section 411 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (12), by striking and at the end;

(B)

by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14); and

(C)

by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:

(13)

continuing support for program integrity initiatives concerning the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) that train senior volunteers to prevent and identify health care fraud and abuse; and

;

(2)

in subsection (b), by striking for fiscal years 2007 and all that follows through 2011 and inserting for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.

(b)

Native american programs

Section 418(b) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032g(b)) is amended by striking a national meeting to train and inserting national trainings for.

(c)

Legal assistance for older americans

Section 420(c) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032i(c)) is amended by striking national.

(d)

Repeals

Sections 415, 419, and 421 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032d, 3032h, 3032j) are repealed.

(e)

Conforming amendment

Section 417(a)(1)(A) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032f(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking grandparents and other older individuals who are relative caregivers and inserting older relative caregivers (as defined in section 372).

6.

Community service senior opportunities

Section 517(a) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3056o(a)) is amended by striking fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.

7.

Grants for Native Americans

Section 643(2) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3057n(2)) is amended by striking fiscal year 2011 and inserting each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.

8.

Vulnerable elder rights protection activities

(a)

Ombudsman definitions

Section 711(6) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3058f(6)) is amended by striking older.

(b)

Ombudsman programs

Section 712 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3058g) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following: The Ombudsman shall be responsible for the management, including the fiscal management, of the Office.;

(B)

in paragraph (3)—

(i)

in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:

(i)

are made by, or on behalf of, residents, including residents with limited or no decisionmaking capacity and who have no known legal representative, and if such a resident is unable to communicate consent for an Ombudsman to work on a complaint directly involving the resident, the Ombudsman shall seek evidence to indicate what outcome the resident would have communicated (and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, shall assume that the resident wishes to have the resident’s health, safety, welfare, and rights protected) and shall work to accomplish that outcome; and

;

(ii)

in subparagraph (D), by striking regular and timely and inserting regular, timely, private, and unimpeded;

(iii)

in subparagraph (H)(iii)—

(I)

by inserting , actively encourage, and assist in after provide technical support for; and

(II)

by striking and after the semicolon;

(iv)

by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (J); and

(v)

by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:

(I)

when feasible, continue to carry out the functions described in this section on behalf of residents transitioning from a long-term care facility to a home care setting; and

;

(C)

in paragraph (5)(B)—

(i)

in clause (vi)—

(I)

by inserting , actively encourage, and assist in after support; and

(II)

by striking and after the semicolon;

(ii)

by redesignating clause (vii) as clause (viii); and

(iii)

by inserting after clause (vi) the following:

(vii)

identify, investigate, and resolve complaints described in clause (iii) that are made by or on behalf of residents with limited or no decisionmaking capacity and who have no known legal representative, and if such a resident is unable to communicate consent for an Ombudsman to work on a complaint directly involving the resident, the Ombudsman shall seek evidence to indicate what outcome the resident would have communicated (and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, shall assume that the resident wishes to have the resident’s health, safety, welfare, and rights protected) and shall work to accomplish that outcome; and

;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in subparagraph (A), by striking access and inserting private and unimpeded access; and

(ii)

in subparagraph (B)—

(I)

in clause (i)—

(aa)

in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking the medical and social records of a and inserting all files, records, and other information concerning a; and

(bb)

in subclause (II), by striking to consent and inserting to communicate consent; and

(II)

in clause (ii), in the matter before subclause (I), by striking the records and inserting the files, records, and information; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

Health oversight agency

For purposes of section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (including regulations issued under that section) (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note), the Ombudsman and a representative of the Office shall be considered a health oversight agency, so that release of residents' individually identifiable health information to the Ombudsman or representative is not precluded in cases in which the requirements of clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(B), or the requirements of paragraph (1)(D), are otherwise met.

;

(3)

in subsection (c)(2)(D), by striking 202(a)(21) and inserting 202(a)(18);

(4)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking files and inserting files, records, and other information; and

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in subparagraph (A)—

(I)

by striking files and records each place such term appears and inserting files, records, and other information; and

(II)

by striking and after the semicolon;

(ii)

in subparagraph (B)—

(I)

by striking files or records and inserting files, records, or other information; and

(II)

in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(C)

notwithstanding subparagraph (B), ensure that the Ombudsman may disclose information as needed in order to best serve residents with limited or no decisionmaking capacity who have no known legal representative and are unable to communicate consent, in order for the Ombudsman to carry out the functions and duties described in paragraphs (3)(A) and (5)(B) of subsection (a).

; and

(5)

by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:

(f)

Conflict of interest

(1)

Individual conflict of interest

The State agency shall—

(A)

ensure that no individual, or member of the immediate family of an individual, involved in the designation of the Ombudsman (whether by appointment or otherwise) or the designation of an entity designated under subsection (a)(5), is subject to a conflict of interest;

(B)

ensure that no officer or employee of the Office, representative of a local Ombudsman entity, or member of the immediate family of the officer, employee, or representative, is subject to a conflict of interest; and

(C)

ensure that the Ombudsman—

(i)

does not have a direct involvement in the licensing or certification of a long-term care facility or of a provider of a long-term care service;

(ii)

does not have an ownership or investment interest (represented by equity, debt, or other financial relationship) in a long-term care facility or a long-term care service;

(iii)

is not employed by, or participating in the management of, a long-term care facility or a related organization, and has not been employed by such a facility or organization within 1 year before the date of the determination involved;

(iv)

does not receive, or have the right to receive, directly or indirectly, remuneration (in cash or in kind) under a compensation arrangement with an owner or operator of a long-term care facility;

(v)

does not have management responsibility for, or operate under the supervision of an individual with management responsibility for, adult protective services; and

(vi)

does not serve as a guardian or in another fiduciary capacity for residents of long-term care facilities in an official capacity (as opposed to serving as a guardian or fiduciary for a family member, in a personal capacity).

(2)

Organizational conflict of interest

(A)

In general

The State agency shall comply with subparagraph (B)(i) in a case in which the Office poses an organizational conflict of interest, including a situation in which the Office is placed in an organization that—

(i)

is responsible for licensing, certifying, or surveying long-term care services in the State;

(ii)

is an association (or an affiliate of such an association) of long-term care facilities, or of any other residential facilities for older individuals;

(iii)

provides long-term care services, including programs carried out under a Medicaid waiver approved under section 1115 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315) or under subsection (b) or (c) of section 1915 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396n), or under a Medicaid State plan amendment under subsection (i), (j), or (k) of section 1915 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396n);

(iv)

provides long-term care case management;

(v)

sets rates for long-term care services;

(vi)

provides adult protective services;

(vii)

is responsible for eligibility determinations for the Medicaid program carried out under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);

(viii)

conducts preadmission screening for placements in facilities described in clause (ii); or

(ix)

makes decisions regarding admission or discharge of individuals to or from such facilities.

(B)

Identifying, removing, and remedying organizational conflict

(i)

In general

The State agency may not operate the Office or carry out the program, directly, or by contract or other arrangement with any public agency or nonprofit private organization, in a case in which there is an organizational conflict of interest (within the meaning of subparagraph (A)) unless such conflict of interest has been—

(I)

identified by the State agency;

(II)

disclosed by the State agency to the Assistant Secretary in writing; and

(III)

remedied in accordance with this subparagraph.

(ii)

Action by Assistant Secretary

In a case in which a potential or actual organizational conflict of interest (within the meaning of subparagraph (A)) involving the Office is disclosed or reported to the Assistant Secretary by any person or entity, the Assistant Secretary shall require that the State agency, in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the State agency under subsection (a)(5)(D)(iii)—

(I)

remove the conflict; or

(II)

submit, and obtain the approval of the Assistant Secretary for, an adequate remedial plan that indicates how the Ombudsman will be unencumbered in fulfilling all of the functions specified in subsection (a)(3).

; and

(6)

in subsection (h)—

(A)

in paragraph (3)(A)(i), by striking older;

(B)

in paragraph (4), by striking all that precedes procedures and inserting the following:

(4)

strengthen and update

;

(C)

by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as paragraphs (5) through (10), respectively;

(D)

by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:

(4)

ensure that the Ombudsman or a designee participates in training provided by the National Ombudsman Resource Center established in section 202(a)(18);

;

(E)

in paragraph (6)(A), as redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, by striking paragraph (4) and inserting paragraph (5);

(F)

in paragraph (7)(A), as redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, by striking subtitle C of the and inserting subtitle C of title I of the; and

(G)

in paragraph (10), as redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, by striking (6), or (7) and inserting (7), or (8).

(c)

Ombudsman regulations

Section 713 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3058h) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 712(f) and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 712(f)(1); and

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 712(f)(3) and inserting clauses (i) through (vi) of section 712(f)(1)(C).

(d)

Prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation

Section 721 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3058i) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking (including financial exploitation);

(B)

by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (12) as paragraphs (6) through (13), respectively;

(C)

by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:

(5)

promoting the submission of data on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation for the appropriate database of the Administration or another database specified by the Assistant Secretary;

;

(D)

in paragraph (10)(C), as redesignated by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph—

(i)

in clause (ii), by inserting , such as forensic specialists, after such personnel; and

(ii)

in clause (v), by inserting before the comma the following: , including programs and arrangements that protect against financial exploitation; and

(E)

in paragraph (12), as redesignated by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph—

(i)

in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; and

(ii)

by adding at the end the following:

(F)

supporting and studying innovative practices in communities to develop partnerships across disciplines for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and

; and

(2)

in subsection (e)(2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—

(A)

by striking subsection (b)(9)(B)(i) and inserting subsection (b)(10)(B)(i); and

(B)

by striking subsection (b)(9)(B)(ii) and inserting subsection (b)(10)(B)(ii).

9.

Behavioral health

The Older Americans Act of 1965 is amended—

(1)

in section 102 (42 U.S.C. 3002)—

(A)

in paragraph (14)(G), by inserting and behavioral after mental;

(B)

in paragraph (36), by inserting and behavioral after mental; and

(C)

in paragraph (47)(B), by inserting and behavioral after mental;

(2)

in section 201(f)(1) (42 U.S.C. 3011(f)(1)), by inserting and behavioral after mental;

(3)

in section 202(a)(5) (42 U.S.C. 3012(a)(5)), by inserting and behavioral after mental;

(4)

in section 306(a) (42 U.S.C. 3026(a))—

(A)

in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting and behavioral after mental; and

(B)

in paragraph (6)(F), by striking mental health services each place such term appears and inserting mental and behavioral health services; and

(5)

in section 321(a) (42 U.S.C. 3030d)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), as amended by section 4(g), by inserting and behavioral after mental;

(B)

in paragraph (14)(B), by inserting and behavioral after mental; and

(C)

in paragraph (23), by inserting and behavioral after mental.

10.

Guidance on serving Holocaust survivors

(a)

In general

Because the services under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) are critical to meeting the urgent needs of Holocaust survivors to age in place with dignity, comfort, security, and quality of life, the Assistant Secretary for Aging shall issue guidance to States, that shall be applicable to States, area agencies on aging, and providers of services for older individuals, with respect to serving Holocaust survivors, including guidance on promising practices for conducting outreach to that population. In developing the guidance, the Assistant Secretary for Aging shall consult with experts and organizations serving Holocaust survivors, and shall take into account the possibility that the needs of Holocaust survivors may differ based on geography.

(b)

Contents

The guidance shall include the following:

(1)

How nutrition service providers may meet the special health-related or other dietary needs of participants in programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965, including needs based on religious, cultural, or ethnic requirements.

(2)

How transportation service providers may address the urgent transportation needs of Holocaust survivors.

(3)

How State long-term care ombudsmen may address the unique needs of residents of long-term care facilities for whom institutional settings may produce sights, sounds, smells, emotions, and routines, that can induce panic, anxiety, and retraumatization as a result of experiences from the Holocaust.

(4)

How supportive services providers may consider the unique needs of Holocaust survivors.

(5)

How other services provided under that Act, as determined by the Assistant Secretary for Aging, may serve Holocaust survivors.

(c)

Date of issuance

The guidance described in subsection (a) shall be issued not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

February 3, 2015

Reported without amendment