CT SB00837

Establishes a new Department on Aging, effective January 1, 2013, headed by a Commissioner on Aging appointed by the Governor, transferring the Division of Aging Services from the Department of Social Services.

Designates the Department on Aging as the State Unit on Aging to administer programs and services for elderly persons under the Older Americans Act, including nutrition, transportation, housing, employment, and health services.

Transfers authority over aging-related programs from the Department of Social Services to the Department on Aging, including fall prevention programs, long-term care ombudsman services, area agencies on aging, and respite care services for Alzheimer's disease.

Updates various state statutes to replace references to the Department of Social Services with the Department on Aging for aging-related matters, including municipal agents for elderly persons and nursing home financial oversight.

Removes the Department of Social Services' designation as the state agency for administering programs for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, effectively consolidating elderly services administration under the new independent department.