(a) By January 1, 2005, the agency, with recommendations from the Long-Term Care Council, shall set standards for CalCareNet, with the goal of creating an Internet site that links to counties and planning service areas, and that provides information on long-term care services that are available to the consumer. The agency shall recommend guidelines for local Internet information systems, allowing for flexibility in design and structure. The local entities with existing systems are encouraged to maintain existing systems, assuming CalCareNet guidelines are met.

(b) State funds shall not be appropriated for purposes of this section. The agency is not required to undertake any new task described in this section unless it receives federal or private funds for that purpose.

(c) Information shared between, and tracked by, providers through CalCareNet may in no way violate Section 15633, pertaining to client confidentiality, or any other statute requiring that client information be kept confidential, unless otherwise exempted by law.

(d) In crafting its guidelines for the local-level information systems, the Long-Term Care Council shall seek input from interested stakeholders, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Consumers.

(2) Consumer advocacy organizations.

(3) Area agencies on aging.

(4) Senior legal services.

(5) The California Commission on Aging.

(6) Caregiver resource centers.

(7) Veterans’ services.

(8) Senior centers.

(9) PACE (Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly).

(10) The Senior Care Action Network (SCAN).

(11) The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) services.

(12) Ombudspersons.

(13) County-level programs, including, but not limited to, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), county welfare departments, public health departments, and adult protective services agencies.

(14) Programs for persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, independent living centers.

(15) Other social service programs, including, but not limited to, employment development programs.

(e) By January 1, 2004, the agency shall link the CalCareNet Web site to local Internet information systems. The agency shall permit counties and planning service areas to design local information systems, contingent upon the availability of funding and resources for these purposes.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 541, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 2003.)