News Article

ACL Seeks Input on Updates to Older Americans Act Program Regulations

June 15, 2023

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking input on proposed updates to the regulations for its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. The last substantial update to most OAA program regulations was in 1988; the OAA has been amended by Congress seven times since 1988.

ACL states that the proposed rule 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 better serving older adults. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) looks at all OAA programs including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Elder Abuse Prevention, Legal Services, and Family Caregivers. Refer to the overview document for more information.

ACL has solicited input from the field as it developed these proposed rules through a Request for Information (RFI) and series of listening sessions.  Consumer Voice submitted comments on the RFI last year and hosted a listening session on the topic at a past annual meeting.

Instructions for submitting comments can be found in the NPRM, which was posted on the Federal Register website today. Comments must be received by 11:59 pm ET on August 15, 2023.

For more information on the proposed rule, join ACL for an informational webinar Thursday, June 22 at 12:30pm ET.