Section 3.2. Definitions

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

Adverse action—An action or a decision not to act which directly affects an individual or organization who may disagree with the action and may wish to appeal it. Examples of adverse actions include all of the following:

(i) A decision by the Department to disapprove an area plan.

(ii) A decision by the Department to deny an eligible applicant’s request for designation as a planning and service area.

(iii) A decision by an area agency on aging not to award a contract to a service provider who has applied to provide a service under an area plan.

(iv) A decision by an area agency on aging to deny, reduce or terminate services under an area plan to an individual applicant.

Applicant—In proceedings involving applications for permission or authorization which the Department, an area agency on aging, or a service provider may give under statutory or other authority delegated to it, the parties who make the applications or on whose behalf the applications are made. The term includes any recipient of, or applicant for, services available under an area plan.

Area agency on aging—The single local agency designated within each planning and service area by the Department to develop and administer the delivery of a comprehensive and coordinated plan of social and other services and activities for older persons.

Area plan—The plan submitted to the Department by an area agency on aging 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.

Department—The Department of Aging.

Hearing—A proceeding as defined under 1 Pa. Code § 31.3 (relating to definitions).

Planning and service area—The geographic unit within this Commonwealth, as designated by the Secretary, for the allocation of funds for the delivery of social services to older persons residing in that unit.

Secretary—The Secretary of the Department.

Service provider—An entity which provides, or intends to provide, services under an agreement with an area agency on aging.