The Office of Area Aging Administration in the Division of Aging and Community Services of Senior Services and Health Systems Branch of the Department of Health and Senior Services (Department) is proposing to readopt N.J.A.C. 8:88A: Planning and Service Areas and Area Agencies on Aging.  The notice of proposal appears in the December 20, 2010, issue of the New Jersey Register.

The rules proposed for readoption establish a procedure for designating Planning and Service Areas (PSAs), and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), as required by Federal law pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965 (Act).  The rules enable the Department to maintain Federal funding for services for older adults in New Jersey.  The services funded under the Act serve adults 60 years of age and older and are designed to enable these older adults to lead independent lives in the community.  The services are coordinated through the AAA located in each PSA.  The rules proposed for readoption have assured, and would continue to assure, the maintenance of Federal funding and that designated entities (and those they serve) are afforded due process in the event of the redefining of a PSA or the redesignation of an AAA.

The public has until February 18, 2011, to comment on the proposal.  Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing by regular mail to Ruth Charbonneau, Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Office of the Commissioner, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, P O Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360.  Written comments must be postmarked on or before February 18, 2011, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.  The Department will not accept telefacsimiles or electronic mail messages as official comments on the notice of proposal.

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