§ 505. Advisory Board

(a) An advisory board to the Department is created for the purpose of advising the Commissioner with respect to programs and issues affecting older persons and persons with disabilities.

(b) The Board shall be composed of no fewer than 19 and no more than 24 members appointed by the Governor for terms of three years. Of these members, no fewer than 14 shall be individuals who are older persons or persons with disabilities, of which at least seven shall be selected for their familiarity with and interest in programs and issues affecting the interests of older persons, and seven shall be selected for their familiarity with and interest in programs and issues affecting the interests of persons with disabilities. Five members shall be selected to represent the interests of each of the five regions of the State. Persons who are paid providers of services to older persons and persons with disabilities shall not be appointed except as representatives of one of the five regions of the State or because they otherwise qualify for membership. The Advisory Board and Commissioner shall seek the advice and recommendations of paid service providers on an organized and regular basis.

(c) The Governor shall designate the chair of the Board.

(d) Members shall not be entitled to compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in connection with their duties as members of the Board.

(e) A vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided for the original appointment for the unexpired portion of that term.

(f) The Board shall advise the Commissioner on matters related to the interests of older persons and persons with disabilities. It shall be guided generally by reference to the statements of objectives and policy found in the Older Americans Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(g) The Board may establish committees to facilitate its work and to ensure it pays adequate and appropriate attention to the range of issues for which the Department is responsible. The Board may also create ad hoc committees to address discrete issues as they arise.

(h) The Commissioner shall ensure that the Advisory Board and its committees receive sufficient staff support to meet their responsibilities. (Added 1989, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)