The department of aging shall adopt, and may rescind, rules as necessary to carry out the provisions of Chapter 173. of the Revised Code and may:

(A) Provide technical assistance and consultation to public and private nonprofit agencies with respect to programs, services, and activities for elderly people;

(B) Cooperate with federal agencies, other state agencies or departments, and organizations to conduct studies and surveys on the special problems of the aged in such matters as mental and physical health, housing, transportation, family relationships, employment, income, vocational rehabilitation, recreation, and education; make such reports as are appropriate to the governor and other federal and state agencies; and develop recommendations for administrative or legislative action to alleviate such problems;

(C) Develop and strengthen the services available for the aging in the state by coordinating the existing services provided by federal, state, and local departments and agencies, and private agencies and facilities;

(D) Extend and expand services for the aged through coordinating the interests and efforts of local communities in studying the problems of the aged citizens of this state;

(E) Encourage, promote, and aid in the establishment of programs and services on the local level for the betterment of the living conditions of the aged by making it possible for the aged to more fully enjoy and participate in family and community life;

(F) Sponsor voluntary community rehabilitation and recreational facilities for the purpose of improving the general welfare of the elderly;

(G) Stimulate the training of workers in the field of aging;

(H) Provide consultants to agencies, associations, or individuals providing services supported by the department;

(I) Provide support which shall include, but not be limited to, financial support for the Martin Janis multipurpose senior center in Columbus;

(J) Recommend methods of improving the effectiveness of state services for elderly citizens;

(K) Adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to request fees, if not prohibited by any federal or state law, from persons using services or facilities for the elderly that are provided, operated, contracted for, or supported by the department, provided that requesting the fees will not disqualify the department from receiving federal or state funds;

(L) Publish a description of the organization and functions of the department so that all interested agencies and individuals may receive information about, and be better able to solicit assistance from, the department.

Effective Date: 06-30-1997.