For the purposes of this chapter—

(1) The term “abuse” means the knowing infliction of physical or psychological harm or the knowing deprivation of goods or services that are necessary to meet essential needs or to avoid physical or psychological harm.

(2) The term “Administration” means the Administration on Aging.

The term “adult protective services” means such services provided to adults as the Secretary may specify and includes services such as—

(A) receiving reports of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation;

(B) investigating the reports described in subparagraph (A);

(C) case planning, monitoring, evaluation, and other casework and services; and

(D) providing, arranging for, or facilitating the provision of medical, social service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, or other protective, emergency, or support services.

The term “Aging and Disability Resource Center” means an entity, network, or consortium established by a State as part of the State system of long-term care, to provide a coordinated and integrated system for older individuals and individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 12102 of this title), and the caregivers of older individuals and individuals with disabilities, that provides—

(A) comprehensive information on the full range of available public and private long-term care programs, options, service providers, and resources within a community, including information on the availability of integrated long-term care services, and Federal or State programs that provide long-term care services and supports through home and community-based service programs;

(B) person-centered counseling to assist individuals in assessing their existing or anticipated long-term care needs and goals, and developing and implementing a person-centered plan for long-term care that is consistent with the desires of such an individual and designed to meet the individual’s specific needs, goals, and circumstances;

(C) access for individuals to the full range of publicly-supported long-term care services and supports for which the individuals may be eligible, including home and community-based service options, by serving as a convenient point of entry for such programs and supports; and

(D) in cooperation with area agencies on aging, centers for independent living described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.), and other community-based entities, information and referrals regarding available home and community-based services for individuals who are at risk for residing in, or who reside in, institutional settings, so that the individuals have the choice to remain in or to return to the community.

The term “aging network” means the network of—

(A) State agencies, area agencies on aging, title VI [subchapter X of this chapter] grantees, and the Administration; and

(B) organizations that— (i) (I) are providers of direct services to older individuals; or (II) are institutions of higher education; and (ii) receive funding under this chapter.

(6) The term “area agency on aging” means an area agency on aging designated under section 3025(a)(2)(A) of this title or a State agency performing the functions of an area agency on aging under section 3025(b)(5) of this title.

(7) The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary for Aging.

The term “assistive device” includes an assistive technology device.

(A) The term “assistive device” includes an assistive technology device.

(B) The terms “assistive technology”, “assistive technology device”, and “assistive technology service” have the meanings given such terms in section 3002 of title 29.

(9) The term “at risk for institutional placement” means, with respect to an older individual, that such individual is unable to perform at least 2 activities of daily living without substantial assistance (including verbal reminding, physical cuing, or supervision) and is determined by the State involved to be in need of placement in a long-term care facility.

(10) The term “board and care facility” means an institution regulated by a State pursuant to section 1382e(e) of this title.

The term “case management service”—

(A) means a service provided to an older individual, at the direction of the older individual or a family member of the individual— (i) by an individual who is trained or experienced in the case management skills that are required to deliver the services and coordination described in subparagraph (B); and (ii) to assess the needs, and to arrange, coordinate, and monitor an optimum package of services to meet the needs, of the older individual; and

(B) includes services and coordination such as— (i) comprehensive assessment of the older individual (including the physical, psychological, and social needs of the individual); (ii) development and implementation of a service plan with the older individual to mobilize the formal and informal resources and services identified in the assessment to meet the needs of the older individual, including coordination of the resources and services— (I) with any other plans that exist for various formal services, such as hospital discharge plans; and (II) with the information and assistance services provided under this chapter; (iii) coordination and monitoring of formal and informal service delivery, including coordination and monitoring to ensure that services specified in the plan are being provided; (iv) periodic reassessment and revision of the status of the older individual with— (I) the older individual; or (II) if necessary, a primary caregiver or family member of the older individual; and (v) in accordance with the wishes of the older individual, advocacy on behalf of the older individual for needed services or resources.

(12) The term “civic engagement” means an individual or collective action designed to address a public concern or an unmet human, educational, health care, environmental, or public safety need.

(13) The term “disability” means (except when such term is used in the phrase “severe disability”, “developmental disabilities”, “physical or mental disability”, “physical and mental disabilities”, or “physical disabilities”) a disability attributable to mental or physical impairment, or a combination of mental and physical impairments, that results in substantial functional limitations in 1 or more of the following areas of major life activity: (A) self-care, (B) receptive and expressive language, (C) learning, (D) mobility, (E) self-direction, (F) capacity for independent living, (G) economic self-sufficiency, (H) cognitive functioning, and (I) emotional adjustment.

The term “disease prevention and health promotion services” means—

(A) health risk assessments;

(B) routine health screening, which may include hypertension, glaucoma, cholesterol, cancer, vision, hearing, diabetes, bone density, oral health, and nutrition screening;

(C) nutritional counseling and educational services for individuals and their primary caregivers;

(D) evidence-based health promotion programs, including programs related to the prevention and mitigation of the effects of chronic disease (including osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), alcohol and substance abuse reduction, smoking cessation, weight loss and control, stress management, falls prevention, physical activity, and improved nutrition;

(E) programs regarding physical fitness, group exercise, and music therapy, art therapy, and dance-movement therapy, including programs for multigenerational participation that are provided by— (i) an institution of higher education; (ii) a local educational agency, as defined in section 8801 [1] of title 20; or (iii) a community-based organization;

(F) home injury control services, including screening of high-risk home environments and provision of educational programs on injury prevention (including fall and fracture prevention) in the home environment;

(G) screening for the prevention of depression, coordination of community mental and behavioral health services, provision of educational activities, and referral to psychiatric and psychological services;

(H) educational programs on the availability, benefits, and appropriate use of preventive health services covered under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.);

(I) medication management screening and education to prevent incorrect medication and adverse drug reactions;

(J) information concerning diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation concerning age-related diseases and chronic disabling conditions, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction;

(K) gerontological counseling; and

(L) counseling regarding social services and followup health services based on any of the services described in subparagraphs (A) through (K).

(15) The term “elder abuse” means abuse of an older individual.

(16) The term “elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation” means abuse, neglect, and exploitation, of an older individual.

The term “elder justice” means—

(A) from a societal perspective, efforts to— (i) prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (ii) protect older individuals with diminished capacity while maximizing their autonomy; and

(B) from an individual perspective, the recognition of an older individual’s rights, including the right to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The terms “exploitation” and “financial exploitation” mean the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act or process of an individual, including a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an older individual for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an older individual of rightful access to, or use of, benefits, resources, belongings, or assets.

(A) The terms “exploitation” and “financial exploitation” mean the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act or process of an individual, including a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an older individual for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an older individual of rightful access to, or use of, benefits, resources, belongings, or assets.

(B) In subparagraph (A), the term “caregiver” means an individual who has the responsibility for the care of an older individual, either voluntarily, by contract, by receipt of payment for care, or as a result of the operation of law and means a family member or other individual who provides (on behalf of such individual or of a public or private agency, organization, or institution) compensated or uncompensated care to an older individual.

(19) The term “family violence” has the same meaning given the term in the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act [42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.].

The term “fiduciary”—

(A) means a person or entity with the legal responsibility— (i) to make decisions on behalf of and for the benefit of another person; and (ii) to act in good faith and with fairness; and

(B) includes a trustee, a guardian, a conservator, an executor, an agent under a financial power of attorney or health care power of attorney, or a representative payee.

(21) The term “focal point” means a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals.

The term “frail” means, with respect to an older individual in a State, that the older individual is determined to be functionally impaired because the individual—

(A) (i) is unable to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial human assistance, including verbal reminding, physical cueing, or supervision; or (ii) at the option of the State, is unable to perform at least three such activities without such assistance; or

(B) due to a cognitive or other mental impairment, requires substantial supervision because the individual behaves in a manner that poses a serious health or safety hazard to the individual or to another individual.

(23) The term “greatest economic need” means the need resulting from an income level at or below the poverty line.

The term “greatest social need” means the need caused by noneconomic factors, which include—

(A) physical and mental disabilities;

(B) language barriers; and

(C) cultural, social, or geographical isolation, including isolation caused by racial or ethnic status, that— (i) restricts the ability of an individual to perform normal daily tasks; or (ii) threatens the capacity of the individual to live independently.

(25) The term “Hispanic-serving institution” has the meaning given the term in section 1101a of title 20.

(26) The term “Indian” means a person who is a member of an Indian tribe.

(27) Except for the purposes of subchapter X of this chapter, the term “Indian tribe” means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians (including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Public Law 92–203; 85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.]) which (A) is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians; or (B) is located on, or in proximity to, a Federal or State reservation or rancheria.

The term “information and assistance service” means a service for older individuals that—

(A) provides the individuals with current information on opportunities and services available to the individuals within their communities, including information relating to assistive technology;

(B) assesses the problems and capacities of the individuals;

(C) links the individuals to the opportunities and services that are available;

(D) to the maximum extent practicable, ensures that the individuals receive the services needed by the individuals, and are aware of the opportunities available to the individuals, by establishing adequate followup procedures; and

(E) serves the entire community of older individuals, particularly— (i) older individuals with greatest social need; (ii) older individuals with greatest economic need; and (iii) older individuals at risk for institutional placement.

(29) The term “information and referral” includes information relating to assistive technology.

The term “in-home services” includes—

(A) services of homemakers and home health aides;

(B) visiting and telephone reassurance;

(C) chore maintenance;

(D) in-home respite care for families, and adult day care as a respite service for families;

(E) minor modification of homes that is necessary to facilitate the ability of older individuals to remain at home and that is not available under another program (other than a program carried out under this chapter);

(F) personal care services; and

(G) other in-home services as defined— (i) by the State agency in the State plan submitted in accordance with section 3027 of this title; and (ii) by the area agency on aging in the area plan submitted in accordance with section 3026 of this title.

(31) The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 1001 of title 20.

The term “integrated long-term care”—

(A) means items and services that consist of— (i) with respect to long-term care— (I) long-term care items or services provided under a State plan for medical assistance under the Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), including nursing facility services, home and community-based services, personal care services, and case management services provided under the plan; and (II) any other supports, items, or services that are available under any federally funded long-term care program; and (ii) with respect to other health care, items and services covered under— (I) the Medicare program established under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); (II) the State plan for medical assistance under the Medicaid program; or (III) any other federally funded health care program; and

(B) includes items or services described in subparagraph (A) that are provided under a public or private managed care plan or through any other service provider.

The term “legal assistance”—

(A) means legal advice and representation provided by an attorney to older individuals with economic or social needs; and

(B) includes— (i) to the extent feasible, counseling or other appropriate assistance by a paralegal or law student under the direct supervision of an attorney; and (ii) counseling or representation by a nonlawyer where permitted by law.

The term “long-term care” means any service, care, or item (including an assistive device), including a disease prevention and health promotion service, an in-home service, and a case management service—

(A) intended to assist individuals in coping with, and to the extent practicable compensate for, a functional impairment in carrying out activities of daily living;

(B) furnished at home, in a community care setting (including a small community care setting as defined in subsection (g)(1), and a large community care setting as defined in subsection (h)(1), of section 1929 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396t)), or in a long-term care facility; and

(C) not furnished to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure a medical disease or condition.

The term “long-term care facility” means—

(A) any skilled nursing facility, as defined in section 1819(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(a));

(B) any nursing facility, as defined in section 1919(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r(a));

(C) for purposes of sections 3027(a)(9) and 3058g of this title, a board and care facility; and

(D) any other adult care home, including an assisted living facility, similar to a facility or institution described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).

(36) The term “multipurpose senior center” means a community facility for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services, which shall include provision of health (including mental and behavioral health), social, nutritional, and educational services and the provision of facilities for recreational activities for older individuals.

The term “Native American” means—

(A) an Indian as defined in paragraph (5); [2] and

(B) a Native Hawaiian, as defined in section 3057k of this title.

The term “neglect” means—

(A) the failure of a caregiver (as defined in paragraph (18)(B)) or fiduciary to provide the goods or services that are necessary to maintain the health or safety of an older individual; or

(B) self-neglect.

(39) The term “nonprofit” as applied to any agency, institution, or organization means an agency, institution, or organization which is, or is owned and operated by, one or more corporations or associations no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

(40) The term “older individual” means an individual who is 60 years of age or older.

(41) The term “physical harm” means bodily injury, impairment, or disease.

(42) The term “planning and service area” means an area designated by a State agency under section 3025(a)(1)(E) of this title, including a single planning and service area described in section 3025(b)(5)(A) of this title.

(43) The term “poverty line” means the official poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with section 9902(2) of this title.[3]

(44) The term “representative payee” means a person who is appointed by a governmental entity to receive, on behalf of an older individual who is unable to manage funds by reason of a physical or mental incapacity, any funds owed to such individual by such entity.

(45) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, except that for purposes of subchapter IX such term means the Secretary of Labor.

The term “self-directed care” means an approach to providing services (including programs, benefits, supports, and technology) under this chapter intended to assist an individual with activities of daily living, in which—

(A) such services (including the amount, duration, scope, provider, and location of such services) are planned, budgeted, and purchased under the direction and control of such individual;

(B) such individual is provided with such information and assistance as are necessary and appropriate to enable such individual to make informed decisions about the individual’s care options;

(C) the needs, capabilities, and preferences of such individual with respect to such services, and such individual’s ability to direct and control the individual’s receipt of such services, are assessed by the area agency on aging (or other agency designated by the area agency on aging) involved;

(D) based on the assessment made under subparagraph (C), the area agency on aging (or other agency designated by the area agency on aging) develops together with such individual and the individual’s family, caregiver (as defined in paragraph (18)(B)), or legal representative— (i) a plan of services for such individual that specifies which services such individual will be responsible for directing; (ii) a determination of the role of family members (and others whose participation is sought by such individual) in providing services under such plan; and (iii) a budget for such services; and

(E) the area agency on aging or State agency provides for oversight of such individual’s self-directed receipt of services, including steps to ensure the quality of services provided and the appropriate use of funds under this chapter.

The term “self-neglect” means an adult’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks including—

(A) obtaining essential food, clothing, shelter, and medical care;

(B) obtaining goods and services necessary to maintain physical health, mental and behavioral health, or general safety; or

(C) managing one’s own financial affairs.

The term “severe disability” means a severe, chronic disability attributable to mental or physical impairment, or a combination of mental and physical impairments, that—

(A) is likely to continue indefinitely; and

(B) results in substantial functional limitation in 3 or more of the major life activities specified in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (8).[4]

(49) The term “sexual assault” has the meaning given the term in section 10447 of title 34.1

(50) The term “State” means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(51) The term “State agency” means the agency designated under section 3025(a)(1) of this title.

(52) The term “State system of long-term care” means the Federal, State, and local programs and activities administered by a State that provide, support, or facilitate access to long-term care for individuals in such State.

(53) The term “supportive service” means a service described in section 3030d(a) of this title.

(54) Except for the purposes of subchapter X of this chapter, the term “tribal organization” means the recognized governing body of any Indian tribe, or any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body. In any case in which a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian tribe, the approval of each such Indian tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.

(Pub. L. 89–73, title I, § 102, July 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 219; Pub. L. 90–42, § 5(a), July 1, 1967, 81 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 91–69, § 10(a), Sept. 17, 1969, 83 Stat. 114; Pub. L. 94–135, title I, §§ 104(b), 114(a), Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 714, 725; Pub. L. 95–478, title V, § 503(a), Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1559; Pub. L. 97–115, § 2(a)(2), (3), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1595; Pub. L. 100–175, title I, §§ 136(a)(1), 146(a), 182(a), (b)(1), Nov. 29, 1987, 101 Stat. 942, 950, 964; Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, § 705(1), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3247; Pub. L. 102–375, title I, § 102(a), (b)(1)(A), title IX, § 904(a)(2), Sept. 30, 1992, 106 Stat. 1197, 1200, 1306; Pub. L. 103–171, §§ 2(1), 3(a)(1), Dec. 2, 1993, 107 Stat. 1988, 1989; Pub. L. 105–244, title I, § 102(a)(13)(C), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 106–501, title I, § 101, title VIII, § 801(a), Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2227, 2291; Pub. L. 108–36, title IV, § 416, June 25, 2003, 117 Stat. 831; Pub. L. 109–365, title I, § 101, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2523; Pub. L. 114–144, §§ 2, 9(1), Apr. 19, 2016, 130 Stat. 334, 351.)