1070 State Plan Development

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Aging Services
Administrative Manual

Chapter:

1000 General DAS Administration

Effective Date:

Section Title:

State Plan Development

Reviewed or Updated in:

2021-05

Section Number:

1070

Previous Update:

Policy Statement

All State Units on Aging (SUA) are required to submit multi-year plans outlining program goals, objectives and activities to the Administration on Aging Assistant Secretary.

Basic Considerations

State Plans must report on program directions, progress, address all assurances cited by the Administration on Aging from the Older American’s Act, include public comment on needs of the aging population and contain an Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF).

The State Plan serves as a comprehensive document that provides direction for the state as it plans and implements long-term care reform efforts. The State Plan strategically positions the state to address many realities such as a rapidly growing new generation of long-term care consumers, an overwhelming desire on the part of citizens to age at home and the considerable fiscal presses on state and local budgets.

The State Plan serves multiple functions including:

  • A publication which will provide State government officials tangible examples of long-term care reform efforts;

  • A document that translates activities, data and outcomes into proven best practices which can be used to leverage additional funds;

  • A planning process which allows for the coordination and optimum use of all applicable staff and funding resources; and

  • A blueprint for how the state plans to carry out the principles and strategies of Choices for Independence, which include:

    • Empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their care options

    • Helping consumers who are at high-risk of nursing home placement, but not yet eligible for Medicaid, to remain in their own homes and communities through the use of flexible service models, including consumer-directed models of care

  • A starting point for Area Agency on Aging Area Plans.

Procedures

DAS State Plan Process Procedures:

Step 1

DAS reviews Older Americans Act (OAA) Assurances for changes in state plan requirements
Step 2

DAS reviews current Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF) demographic data elements and identifies changes if needed; if not needed, go to Step 6
Step 3

DAS compiles statewide/AAA region allocations based on selected data elements taken from census data
Step 4

DAS electronically distributes census data and proposed IFF allocations for AAA review
Step 5

DAS convenes workgroup of DAS staff and AAA Directors to finalize IFF
Step 6

DAS and AAAs conduct public hearings, focus groups, or other forums to gain needs assessment input from consumers, providers, etc.
Step 7

AAAs develop Area Plans by revising budget information, assurances, and individual program information
Step 8

DAS develops State Plan format and content based on all previous steps
Step 9

DAS obtains approval/signatures from DAS Director, DHS Commissioner, and Governor
Step 10

DAS submits plan to ACL/AoA.
Step 11

Copies are made and distributed to AAAs, DAS, State Legislators and Governor