Aging and Disability Resource Connection program.

Existing law establishes an Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) program, administered by the California Department of Aging, to provide information to consumers and their families on available long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs and to assist older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities in accessing LTSS programs at the local level. Existing law requires area agencies on aging and independent living centers to be the core local partners in developing and operating ADRC programs, and sets out their duties. This bill would prohibit the California Department of Aging from revoking the designation of an ADRC program solely due to the revocation or voluntary termination of a designation, suspension, or temporary inability of either the area agency on aging or the independent living center partner to serve in its operator role, and would authorize the remaining partner to continue to operate the ADRC independently during a transition period, as specified. The bill would require the ADRC to be dissolved at the end of the extension term unless specified entities jointly agree to continue the program. The bill would also authorize the department to extend the terms of the ADRC contract if two or more qualified entities are in the process of consolidation. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.