The Administration for Community Living (ACL) published a final rule that makes the first substantive changes to Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and services in 36 years.
What’s next: The new regulations take effect on March 15, 2024, but regulated entities have until October 1, 2025, to comply.
Why it matters: The final rule clarifies provisions for meeting OAA requirements for prioritizing people with the greatest social and economic needs; addresses emergency preparedness and response; establishes expectations for legal assistance and activities to prevent elder abuse; and clarifies the role of the aging network in defending against the imposition of guardianship and in promoting alternatives to guardianship.
- Enacted in 1965, the OAA authorizes home-delivered and congregate meals, support for family caregivers, preventive health services, personal and home care services, transportation, legal assistance, elder abuse prevention, and so much more.
