Guidance Document Change: The Virginia State Plan for Aging Services is required by the Older Americans Act (OAA, specifically 42 U.S.C. § 3027) and state law (specifically § 51.5-136 of the Code of Virginia). DARS creates one comprehensive plan that serves these dual federal and state purposes.
In 2023, DARS issued its current Virginia State Plan for Aging Services (October 1, 2023-September 30, 2027). Since that time, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has issued revised federal OAA regulations (45 CFR Part 1321) and new State Plan Guidance (OMB # 0985-0083) that requires states to update their current State Plans by October 1, 2025.
DARS has drafted amendments to the current State Plan to bring it into compliance with new federal regulations and State Plan Guidance.
The following sections have been revised: Letter from the Secretary of Health and Human Resources; Letter from the DARS Commissioner; Verification of Intent; Attachment A: Assurances; and Attachment B: Information Requirements. Attachment B includes Virginia’s intentions for Grab and Go meals and Program Development and Coordination Activities (PDCA).
The following sections have been added: Attachment D: Geographic Services Boundaries and Attachment E: Evidence of Public Comment.
The following section has been removed: Appendix 6: Listing of Area Agencies on Aging, which is now contained in the new Attachment D.
As required by federal regulations and ACL’s State Plan Guidance, DARS will also be hosting a virtual public hearing on the draft amended State Plan on April 11, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. For more information on the virtual public hearing, including how to register, please visit: https://vda.virginia.gov/stateplans.htm.
Commenter:
Jennifer C Witteborg
Access for Deaf/ hard of hearing and Blind/DeafBlind
