1. (a)

   1. (1) An area agency on aging may contract with local service providers to provide I & A services at senior centers or other sites following the requirements outlined in 20 CAR § 430-2005.

   2. (2) The area agency on aging must assess the contracted service annually and must require that:

      1. (A) The I & A service provider will publicize and coordinate the service as required of the area agency on aging in 20 CAR § 430-2005;
      2. (B) The provider will meet Department of Human Services and Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services reporting and recordkeeping requirements;
      3. (C) The provider shall develop and maintain written policies and procedures for the operation of the service, especially for the referral of clients to the area agency on aging for:

2. (i) Targeted case management;

   1. (ii) Client representation;

      1. (iii) Legal assistance; and

         1. (iv) Advocacy services;

      2. (D)

         1. (i) Provider staff will participate in the required annual training provided by the area agency on aging.
         2. (ii) This training should include subjects such as cultural awareness, communication with sensorially deprived older persons, interviewing techniques, as well as services and benefits available to older persons and the eligibility requirements for the services and benefits.
         3. (iii) Documentation of training provided must be on file; and
      3. (E) The provider who also provides senior center services in addition to I & A services shall be subject to the standards for access by older persons found in 20 CAR § 430-2005(3).

3. (b) Each RFP and contract for I & A services will contain the above requirements as part of the description and scope of work and minimum standards required.

   1. (c)
   2. (1) Area agencies on aging contracting for I & A services shall develop written policies and procedures for the coordination of I & A by its case management, client representation, and advocacy staff with its contracted providers of I & A.
   3. (2) The multi-tiered information and assistance system should be carefully monitored for the possibility of barriers to reasonably convenient access to the services by older persons in the planning and service area.
   4. (3) If possible, the area agency on aging should respond to a simple request for information rather than referring the caller to the provider of I & A services.

Codification Notes: “RFP” means request for proposals.