AN ACT DIRECTING THE Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, TO STUDY program and service Levels and NEEDS for older adults IN BRUNSWICK, Buncombe, Gaston, Henderson, Moore, and New Hanover COUNTIES.

Whereas, according to information from the Demographic Unit, Office of State Budget and Management, between 2000 and 2030, population growth for the state as a whole is projected at 52.5%, while the population 65 and older is expected to grow 123% and the population 85 and older is expected to increase 146%; and
Whereas, in 2005, 28 counties in North Carolina had more persons age 60 and older than persons age 17 and younger, and of those counties, Henderson, Brunswick and Moore Counties had the largest number of 60+ persons; and
Whereas, it is projected that by 2030, 75 of North Carolina's counties will have more persons age 60 and older than 17 and younger, and of those counties, Buncombe, New Hanover, and Gaston are projected to have the largest number of 60+ persons; and
Whereas, North Carolina has been selected as one of eight states to work with the U.S. Administration on Aging to assist the Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Area Agencies on Aging in developing a comprehensive planning model for aging and placing an emphasis on strengthening local planning for an aging population; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, shall work with the Division of Health Service Regulation; Division of Medical Assistance; Division of Public Health; and the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services to study programs and services for older adults in Brunswick, Buncombe, Gaston, Henderson, Moore, and New Hanover Counties which currently have, or are projected by 2030 to have, the largest numbers of individuals age 60+ when compared to individuals age 17 and younger.  In conducting the study, the Division shall utilize existing data and resources and shall include the Area Agencies on Aging serving each county studied.  The study shall include the following for each county studied:
(1)	A profile of the current older adult population.
(2)	A profile of the projected growth for the older adult population.
(3)	An assessment of the anticipated impact on programs and services that address the needs of the older adult population.
(4)	Identification of programs and services that are currently in place.
(5)	Identification of programs and services that are needed to meet the growth projections.
(6)	Current funding sources for programs and services serving the older adult population.

(7)	Anticipated funding needs for programs and services serving the older adult population.
(8)	A delineation of the programs and services that are shared or offered jointly with another county.
The Division shall make an interim status report on the study to the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging on or before November 1, 2007.  The Division shall make a final report of its findings and recommendations on or before April 1, 2008, to the 2008 Regular Session of the 2007 General Assembly, the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging, and to the board of county commissioners of each county studied.
SECTION 2.  In response to the growth projections for the age 60+ population, the Division of Aging and Adult Services shall make recommendations on a study to include all counties in North Carolina.  The Division shall evaluate similar studies conducted by other states and shall make recommendations on the criteria that should be included and an appropriate funding level for a study to include all North Carolina counties.  The Division shall report findings and recommendations to the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging on or before January 1, 2008.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 25th day of July, 2007.

	s/	 Beverly E. Perdue
	 President of the Senate

	s/	 Joe Hackney
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	s/	 Michael F. Easley
	 Governor

Approved 12:35 p.m. this 17th day of August, 2007