Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 231.23. Department --duties and authority

1. Develop and administer a state plan on aging.

2. Assist the commission in the review and approval of area plans.

3. Pursuant to commission policy, coordinate state activities related to the purposes of this chapter and all other chapters under the department's jurisdiction.

4. Advocate for older individuals by reviewing and commenting upon all state plans, budgets, laws, rules, regulations, and policies which affect older individuals and by providing technical assistance to any agency, organization, association, or individual representing the needs of older individuals.

5. Assist the commission in dividing the state into distinct planning and service areas.

6. Assist the commission in designating for each area a public or private nonprofit agency or organization as the area agency on aging for that area.

7. Pursuant to commission policy, take into account the views of older Iowans.

8. Assist the commission in adopting a method for the distribution of funds available from the federal Act and state appropriations and allocations.

9. Assist the commission in assuring that preference will be given to providing services to older individuals with the greatest economic or social needs, with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.

10. Assist the commission in developing, adopting, and enforcing administrative rules, by issuing necessary forms and procedures.

11. Apply for, receive, and administer grants, devises, donations, gifts, or bequests of real or personal property from any source to conduct projects consistent with the purposes of the department. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys received by the department pursuant to this section are not subject to reversion to the general fund of the state.

12. Administer state authorized programs.

13. Establish a procedure for an area agency on aging to use in selection of members of the agency's board of directors. The selection procedure shall be incorporated into the bylaws of the board of directors.