The Office of Community Programs in the Division of Aging and Community Services of the Senior Services and Health Systems Branch of the Department of Health and Senior Services (Department) is proposing to readopt N.J.A.C. 8:92, the rules governing the Adult Day Services Program for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders (Program).

       Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:2M-9 et seq., N.J.A.C. 8:92 establishes procedures and requirements for the operation of the Program, which provides relief and support to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders through the provision of subsidized adult day services.  In particular, N.J.A.C. 8:92 sets forth the basis for the methodology, formulas, and criteria that the Department implements to determine the grant funding award to provide to each qualified agency that participates in the Program.  Further, N.J.A.C. 8:92 establishes methods by which a participating agency may secure the remaining allowable costs for which the Department does not provide grant funding.  N.J.A.C. 8:92 also sets forth requirements for participating agencies, clients, and caregivers.  The rules proposed for readoption would continue to provide the regulatory framework for the Department to fund agencies that participate in the Program, and ensure that clients participating in the Program will remain safe and receive appropriate care.

       The Department is proposing amendments at N.J.A.C. 8:92-1.4 to add definitions of the following terms: “Administrative costs,” “Advertising costs,” and “Total program operating budget.”  In addition, the Department is proposing amendments at N.J.A.C. 8:92-1.2, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, and 7.1 in order to make technical corrections.

       The notice of proposal appears in the June 5, 2006, issue of the New Jersey Register.  The public has until August 4, 2006, to comment on the notice of proposal.  Persons wishing to comment on the notice of proposal must submit their comments in writing to Patricia A. Polansky, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Aging and Community Services, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807.  Written comments must be postmarked on or before August 4, 2006, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.

###

       NOTE: Additional rule information is available on the Department’s web site at

http://www.state.nj.us/health/rules/other.shtml.