CHAPTER 81
HB 1226 – FINAL VERSION
24Mar2010… 0771h
2010 SESSION
01/10
HOUSE BILL 1226
AN ACT relative to caregiver support services for the elderly.
SPONSORS: Rep. Millham, Belk 5
COMMITTEE: Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
This bill establishes the caregiver support services program to provide support to caregivers in their role as primary caregivers for aging family members. Under this bill, the department of health and human services is to administer the law and shall coordinate caregiver support services with existing services to caregivers and older adults. The commissioner of the department is granted rulemaking authority for the purposes of the bill.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
24Mar2010… 0771h
10-2344
01/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Ten
AN ACT relative to caregiver support services for the elderly.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
81:1 New Subdivision; Caregiver Support Services. Amend RSA 161-F by inserting after section 75 the following new subdivision:
161-F:76 Purpose. Over 80 percent of long-term care services are provided by unpaid family caregivers. It is in the state’s best interest to support these caregivers to maintain their family member at home. The purpose of this chapter is to provide support to these caregivers in their role as primary caregivers for aging family members.
161-F:77 Definitions. In this subdivision:
I. “Caregiver support services” includes, but is not limited to, assessment, individual and caregiver centered planning and assistance, information and referral, respite care, caregiver support groups, educational materials, and emergency and outreach services.
II. “ServiceLink Resource Center” or “SLRC” means the statewide network of locally administered community-based resources for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families.
161-F:78 Administration; Services. Subject to available federal, state, and local funding, the department shall administer this subdivision and shall coordinate caregiver support services with existing services to caregivers and older adults. Caregiver support services shall be provided in a manner which develops person-centered, comprehensive, responsive, and flexible support to caregivers in their role as the primary caregivers for aging family members.
161-F:79 Regional Caregiver Support Services. The department shall maintain a caregiver support program in each SLRC. A caregiver support specialist shall be available within each SLRC region to assist caregivers in assessing their needs and accessing support and services; including generic community resources, state and federally funded support services, and other services as available.
161-F:80 Rulemaking. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to:
I. Further definition of services to be provided under this subdivision.
II. Requirements for eligibility for services.
III. Manner of providing services under RSA 161-F:78.
IV. Assignment and roles of caregiver support specialists pursuant to RSA 161-F:79.
81:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Approved: May 19, 2010
Effective Date: July 18, 2010