Section 35.3. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Act—The act of June 20, 1978 (P. L. 477, No. 70) (71 P. S. § § 61, 63, 66, 67.1(d)(1), 158(1), first paragraph, 581-1—581-12 and 611.8).

Advisory Council—The Area Agency Advisory Board required by both section 2208-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 581-8) and by the Older Americans Act of 1965 42 U.S.C.A. § 3026(a)(6)(G), and Federal regulations issued pursuant thereto at 45 CFR 1321.97 (1980).

Appointing authority—Chief elected officials of the county for public Area Agencies; the board of directors or its equivalent for nonprofit Area Agencies.

Area agency—The single local agency designated within each PSA to develop and administer the Area Plan.

Area plan—The plan submitted to the Department by an Area Agency describing the methods by which it will ensure a coordinated and comprehensive system of social and other services and activities for older persons in the planning and service area.

Bureau—The Bureau of Program and Field Operations.

Department—The Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

Greatest economic need—The need resulting from an income level at or below the poverty threshold established by the United States Bureau of the Census.

Greatest social need—The need caused by noneconomic factors which include physical and mental disabilities; language barriers; and cultural or social isolation including that caused by racial or ethnic status—for example: Black, Hispanic, American, Indian, and Asian American—which restrict an individual’s ability to perform normal daily tasks or which threaten his capacity to live independently.

Local elected officials—All officials holding elective public office within a PSA except those public officials who are also appointing authorities.

Older persons—Those persons residing within this Commonwealth who are 60 years of age or older.

PSA or Planning and Service Area—The geographic unit within this Commonwealth, as authorized by the Federal Older Americans Act of 1965, that is designated for purposes of planning, development, delivery, and overall administration of services under an area plan.

Secretary—The Secretary of Aging of the Commonwealth.