Board: Alaska Commission on Aging
Board identification number: 071
Department: Health
Authority: AS 47.45.200
Status: Active
Sunset date: June 30, 2024
Requirements: No Legislative Confirmation or Financial Disclosure required
Prohibitions: Members of the commission may not serve more than two consecutive terms or eight consecutive years, whichever is longer.
Term: 4 years
Chair: Commission selects.
Description: The board consists of 11 Members. Seven of the eight members appointed by the Governor will be appointed based on their knowledge and demonstrated interest in the concerns of older Alaskans. The board will also include the chair of the Pioneers Homes Advisory Board, the commissioner of the Dept. of Commerce, Community and Economic Development or their designee, and the commissioner of the Dept. of Health and Social Services or their designee, and a senior services provider. Names of persons qualified for and interested in serving will be requested from senior citizens’ organizations by the Office of the Governor. Appointments shall be made to assure representation of low-income and minorities and rural/urban areas and statewide geographical representation. At least 6 persons appointed by the Governor shall be 60 years of age or older, 2 of whom shall be 65 years of age or older. Each must be a resident of the State of Alaska. Terms of members will be staggered.
Function: Members approve a comprehensive statewide plan, subject to the approval of the department, that identifies the concerns and needs of older Alaskans and, with reference to the approved plan, prepare and submit to the Governor and Legislature an annual analysis and evaluation of the services that are provided to older Alaskans. The commission makes recommendations directly to the Governor and Legislature with respect to legislation, regulations, and appropriations for programs or services that benefit older Alaskans. The commission also encourages the development of municipal commissions serving older Alaskans and community-oriented programs and services for the benefit of older Alaskans, help older Alaskans lead dignified, independent, and useful lives, employ an executive director who serves at the pleasure of the commission, and request and receive reports and audits from state agencies and local institutions concerned with the conditions and needs of older Alaskans. With approval of commissioner of DHSS, the commission sets policy for the distribution of state and federal funds for senior grant-funded services using the funding formula described in the Alaska State Plan for Senior Services, and gives assistance upon request to the senior housing office in AHFC regarding senior housing loans. Additionally, the commission provides to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority recommendations concerning the integrated comprehensive mental health program, and the use of money in the mental health trust consistent with regulations adopted under AS 47.30.031.
Special facts: Members serve at the pleasure of the Governor. A majority of voting members constitute a quorum. If a person appointed to the board fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the commission, a majority of the members may request the governor to terminate that member from the board.
Compensation: Standard Travel and Per Diem
Meetings: At call of chair or majority of members; Meets at least 4 times each year, usually quarterly, in December, February, May, and September for 2 days each
For further information and to reach individual members, contact:
Jon Haghayeghi
Executive Director
Alaska Commission on Aging
DHSS, P.O. Box 110693
Juneau, AK 998110693
Phone: (907) 465-4793
Fax:
