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RSA 171-A:18 · Area Agency Responsibilities and Operations

Title
XII: PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE
Chapter
171-A · SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
Status
current
Official source linked
Yes
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171-A:18 Area Agency Responsibilities and Operations. –

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I.

The commissioner may designate by rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A for each area one area agency which shall be responsible for administering area-wide programs and services for developmentally disabled persons. Each area agency so designated shall be the primary recipient of funds that may be dispensed by the commissioner for use in establishing, operating, and/or administering such programs and services. The programs and services for which an area agency is responsible include, but are not limited to, diagnosis and evaluation, service coordination, community living arrangements, employment and day services, and programs designed to enhance personal and social competence.

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II.

The commissioner may enter into contracts with, make grants to, or otherwise make funds available to an area agency or authorized agency for the provision of programs and services to developmentally disabled persons. Subject to the written approval of the commissioner, an area agency or authorized agency may enter into contracts with individuals or organizations for the expenditure of portions of such funds on programs or services for developmentally disabled persons. Area agencies, authorized agencies, and other organizations under contract to provide services in accordance with this chapter shall administer programs and services in accordance with 42 C.F.R. section 441.301, and any subsequent amendments thereto.

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III.

Each area board shall appoint an executive director who shall be accountable to the board for administering the area-wide programs and services for developmentally disabled persons. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the area board and shall serve as a full-time employee of the area board.

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IV.

The commissioner shall, in accordance with RSA 541-A, adopt rules establishing standards for the provision of services by area agencies and authorized agencies to developmentally disabled persons. The commissioner shall further adopt rules establishing standards relating to the professional qualifications of the executive director of the area board and to the size and composition of area boards in order to assure that membership is representative of the area as a whole and reflects the concerns and interests of developmentally disabled persons and their families. The commissioner shall also adopt rules establishing a reapproval process and shall require area agencies to be subject to reapproval every 5 years.

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V.

With such frequency as may be determined by the commissioner, each area agency shall prepare and submit to the department for approval a plan for provision of programs and services to developmentally disabled persons who live in the area.

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VI.

A community mental health program established pursuant to RSA 135-C may also be designated an area agency by the commissioner, providing that the area agency is in full compliance with the requirements of this chapter and with all standards and rules adopted pursuant thereto.

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VII.

The department of health and human services shall assume all or any part of the responsibilities provided for in paragraphs I and II at any time during which an area agency is not designated. Source. 1979, 322:7. 1981, 492:29. 1987, 206:2. 1988, 107:5. 1995, 310:130, 172, 175, 181. 1998, 168:2. 2001, 101:16, eff. Aug. 20, 2001. 2019, 287:7, eff. July 1, 2019.

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Source note

Source. 1979, 322:7. 1981, 492:29. 1987, 206:2. 1988, 107:5. 1995, 310:130, 172, 175, 181. 1998, 168:2. 2001, 101:16, eff. Aug. 20, 2001. 2019, 287:7, eff. July 1, 2019.

Source history

  • 1979, 322:7
  • 1981, 492:29
  • 1987, 206:2
  • 1988, 107:5
  • 1995, 310:130, 172, 175, 181
  • 1998, 168:2
  • 2001, 101:16, eff. Aug. 20, 2001
  • 2019, 287:7, eff. July 1, 2019

Related materials

Bill relationships

  • 2026 HB1215 amend

    Short Title. Section 2 of this act shall be known as “Grace’s Law”. 2 New Section; Services for the Developmentally Disabled; Right to Preferred Method of Communication. Amend RSA 171-A by inserting after section 4 the following new section: 171-A:4-a Right to Preferred Method of Communication. I. An individual with a communication disability who is receiving services under this chapter shall have

  • 2026 SB142 reference · effective 2026-01-01

    ed in this section, administration of federal and state family support and assistance programs pursuant to RSA 167, and assistance to developmentally disabled children pursuant to RSA 171-A; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter or RSA 167 shall be construed as authorizing any public official, agent, or representative, in carrying out any of the provisions of this chapter or RSA 167 to take charg

  • 2026 SB142-FN reference · effective 2026-01-01

    ed in this section, administration of federal and state family support and assistance programs pursuant to RSA 167, and assistance to developmentally disabled children pursuant to RSA 171-A; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter or RSA 167 shall be construed as authorizing any public official, agent, or representative, in carrying out any of the provisions of this chapter or RSA 167 to take charg

  • 2026 SB670 amend · effective 2026-07-01

    nerable adults. Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 New Subdivision; Developmental Services Oversight Commission. Amend RSA 171-A by inserting after section 34 the following new subdivision: Developmental Services Oversight Commission 171-A:35 Developmental Services Oversight Commission. I. There is established the developmental services

  • 2026 SB670-FN-A amend · effective 2026-07-01

    nerable adults. Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 New Subdivision; Developmental Services Oversight Commission. Amend RSA 171-A by inserting after section 34 the following new subdivision: Developmental Services Oversight Commission 171-A:35 Developmental Services Oversight Commission. I. There is established the developmental services

  • 2025 HB2 reference

    iduals as set forth in RSA 151-E:28. In the event these funds are not fully expended for this population, the department shall have the authority to use said funds to fund services for individuals served under RSA 171-A, RSA 161-F:52, and RSA 135-C. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sum out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 141:434 Effective Date. Sections 432 and 433 of this act sha

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