Library: Policy

340:105-10-2. Background

Revised 5-13-02

     The Older Americans Act (OAA) was passed by Congress in 1965 to provide assistance to states in the development of comprehensive coordinated systems of services to older persons.  These services are to maintain the dignity of older citizens while providing services to them in the least restrictive environment.  The OAA provides for a network of organizations which assess the needs of older persons and provide services to meet those needs.  In the state of Oklahoma, Aging Services Division (ASD) has been designated as the State Agency which acts as a focal point for all services related to older persons. ASD has designated 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to assess the needs of older persons in each planning and service area of the state, and to develop and advocate for services to meet those needs.  As part of this task, AAAs provide funding to local agencies and organizations for the provision of direct services.  The rules in this Subchapter outline operating policy for each level of the network including ASD, the 11 AAAs, and the local Title III projects.