Minnesota Session Laws - 2009, Regular Session

CHAPTER 60--H.F.No. 936

An act

relating to human services; specifying criteria for communities for a lifetime; requiring the Minnesota Board on Aging to report on communities for a lifetime;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 256.975, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 256.975, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Communities for a lifetime. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this subdivision, "communities for a lifetime" means partnerships of small cities, counties, municipalities, statutory or home rule charter cities, or towns, whose citizens seek to affirmatively extend to persons ages 65 and older the opportunities, supports, and services that will enable them to continue to be contributing, civically engaged residents. new text end

new text begin (b) The opportunities extended within a reasonable distance to senior residents by communities for a lifetime must include, but not be limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) the opportunity to contribute time and talents through volunteer community service; new text end

new text begin (2) the opportunity to participate in the paid workforce, with flexibility of hours and scheduling; new text end

new text begin (3) the opportunity for socializing, recreation, and wellness activities, including both physical exercise and mental stimulation; new text end

new text begin (4) the opportunity to "age in place" and choose among a variety of affordable, accessible housing options, including single-family housing, independent congregate senior housing, and senior housing with services; new text end

new text begin (5) the opportunity to access quality long-term care in the setting of the senior's own choice; and new text end

new text begin (6) the opportunity for community-wide mobility and to access public transportation, including door-to-door assistance and weekend and evening access. new text end

new text begin (c) Communities for a lifetime must demonstrate the availability of supports and services for senior residents that include, but are not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) an array of home and community-based services to support seniors' options to remain in an independent living setting as they age and become more frail; new text end

new text begin (2) access to contemporary remote medical technology for cost-effective home-based monitoring of medical conditions; new text end

new text begin (3) access to nutrition programs, including congregate meal and home-delivered meal opportunities; new text end

new text begin (4) access to a comprehensive caregiver support system for family members and volunteer caregivers, including: new text end

new text begin (i) technological support for caregivers remaining in the paid workforce to manage caregiver responsibilities effectively; and new text end

new text begin (ii) respite care that offers temporary substitute care and supervision for frail seniors; new text end

new text begin (5) personal assistance in accessing services and supports, and in seeking financing for these services and supports; new text end

new text begin (6) high-quality assisted living facilities within a senior's geographic setting of choice; new text end

new text begin (7) high-quality nursing care facilities within a senior's geographic setting of choice; and new text end

new text begin (8) the protection offered to vulnerable seniors by a publicly operated adult protective service. new text end

new text begin (d) Communities for a lifetime must also: new text end

new text begin (1) establish an ongoing local commission to advise the community for a lifetime on its provision of the opportunities, services, and supports identified in paragraphs (b) and (c); new text end

new text begin (2) offer training and learning opportunities for businesses, civic groups, fire and police personnel, and others frequently interacting with seniors on appropriate methods of interacting with seniors; and new text end

new text begin (3) incorporate into its local plan, developed in accordance with sections 366.10, 394.232, and 462.353, elements that address the impact of the forecast change in population age structure on land use, housing, public facilities, transportation, capital improvement, and other areas addressed by local plans; provisions addressing the availability of the opportunities, supports, and services identified in paragraphs (b) and (c); and strategies to develop physical infrastructure responsive to the needs of the projected population. new text end

new text begin (e) In implementing this subdivision, the Minnesota Board on Aging shall: new text end

new text begin (1) consult with, and when appropriate work through, the area agencies on aging; new text end

new text begin (2) consult with the commissioners of human services, health, and employment and economic development, and the League of Minnesota Cities and other organizations representing local units of government; and new text end

new text begin (3) review models of senior-friendly community initiatives from other states and organizations. new text end

new text begin (f) The Board on Aging shall report to the legislature by February 28, 2010, with recommendations on (1) a process for communities to request and receive the designation of community for a lifetime, and (2) funding sources to implement these communities. new text end

Presented to the governor May 7, 2009

Signed by the governor May 11, 2009, 2:43 p.m.