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Today, ACL released a final rule to update regulations for implementing its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. The first substantial update to most OAA program regulations since 1988, the rule aligns regulations to the current statute, addresses issues that have emerged since the last update and clarifies a number of requirements. It aims to better support the national aging network that delivers OAA services and improve program implementation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the nation's growing population of older adults can continue to receive the services and supports they need to live – and thrive – in their own homes and communities.
“Older Americans should be able to live independently and age with dignity,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to expanding access to health care, nutrition services, caregiving, and opportunities to age in place for all older Americans. This update to the Older Americans Act regulations strengthens the system of supports that help older people live independently and age with dignity.”
“The overwhelming majority of Americans want to live in their own homes as they age, and almost 95 percent of them do. For many, this is possible because of the programs and services provided through the Older Americans Act – such as rides to medical appointments, nutritious meals, in-home services, and support to family caregivers,” said Alison Barkoff, who leads the Administration for Community Living. “The updated regulations strengthen the stability and sustainability of these programs, and we are looking forward to working with our partners in the aging network to implement them.”
Key provisions of the 2024 Older Americans Act Final Rule
The updated regulations reinforce and clarify policies and expectations, provide guidance for programs authorized since the last update, promote appropriate stewardship of OAA resources, and incorporate lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the final rule:
The final rule is the culmination of intensive collaboration over many years with the national aging network. It also reflects input received through a request for information; a series of listening sessions, including consultations with tribes and other engagement with Native American grantees; and more than 780 comments received in response to the June 2023 Notice of Proposed Rule Making from a wide range of organizations in the aging and disability networks. ACL is grateful to the many people and organizations whose contributions of time and thoughtful consideration of the rule were crucial to its finalization.
Learn more: implementation timeline and technical assistance
The rule will take effect on March 15, 2024, but regulated entities have until October 1, 2025 to comply. ACL looks forward to working with partners in the aging network to implement this final rule.
In the coming months, ACL will share resources and provide robust technical assistance to support states, tribes and tribal organizations, area agencies on aging, and others in the aging network in complying with the provisions of the updated regulations. Save the dates for these upcoming webinars:
Additional information, including a link to the final rule, can be found on ACL.gov. (The final rule was posted “on display” in the Federal Register today, and will officially be published on February 14, 2024)
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