§ 10-302

§10–302. IN EFFECT

(a) The Interagency Committee consists of the following members:

(1) the Secretary of Aging;

(2) the Secretary of Disabilities;

(3) the Secretary of Health;

(4) the Secretary of Housing and Community Development;

(5) the Secretary of Human Services;

(6) the Secretary of Labor;

(7) the Secretary of Transportation;

(8) the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families;

(9) the Director of the Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing;

(10) the Chair of the Commission on Aging;

(11) a representative from an area agency appointed by the Governor from a list submitted by the Maryland Association of Area Agencies on Aging; and

(12) a member of the public appointed by the Governor.

(b) (1) The term of a member appointed by the Governor under subsection (a)(11) or (12) of this section is 2 years.

(2) A member appointed by the Governor under subsection (a)(11) or (12) of this section may not be reappointed for more than 2 additional terms.

§10–302. ** TAKES EFFECT JULY 1, 2026 PER CHAPTERS 33 AND 34 OF 2025 **

(a) The Department shall establish, coordinate, and supervise a program to provide single points of entry within each planning and service area.

(b) Each area agency on aging shall operate a single point of entry program to assess the needs of older adults and their caregivers and provide appropriate services.

(c) The following services shall be provided through a single point of entry:

(1) providing current information on available programs, services, or benefits;

(2) determining the service needs of each older adult who requests service;

(3) processing requests for service from older adults;

(4) through widely publicized local outreach facilities and communications systems, providing access to available public and private programs and services for older adults, including:

(i) transportation services;

(ii) health and nutrition services;

(iii) financial assistance;

(iv) social services;

(v) educational services;

(vi) services available through volunteer organizations or private agencies;

(vii) appropriate housing arrangements;

(viii) health insurance counseling;

(ix) employment and volunteer opportunities;

(x) respite care services; and

(xi) other programs, information, counseling, or benefits for older adults;

(5) monitoring the outcome of requests for service or information; and

(6) arranging with other agencies for individual assessment to determine the service needs of older adults in need of long–term services and supports.

(d) To the extent possible, each single point of entry shall be:

(1) located in a senior citizen center; and

(2) available for access at least 5 days a week.

(e) Area agencies on aging shall make agreements with nonprofit organizations or other persons as needed and provide staff on a regular basis at the single points of entry to:

(1) provide information and services to older adults; and

(2) administer agency programs.