In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Aging and Disability Resource Center” has the meaning stated in 42 U.S.C. § 3002(4). “Long–term services and supports” means the broad range of assistance needed by older adults and individuals with disabilities. “Options counseling” means an interactive process that: considers an individual’s needs, preferences, values, and circumstances; assists and supports the individual and others the individual requests to participate in the process; determines the individual’s goals for independent living; and develops an appropriate long–term services and supports plan to achieve those goals. “Program” means the Aging and Disability Resource Center Program established under this subtitle.

There is an Aging and Disability Resource Center Program, known as “Maryland Access Point”, in the Department. The Program is the State’s Aging and Disability Resource Center for purposes of the federal Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006. The purpose of the Program is to provide a coordinated system of information and access for individuals seeking long–term services and supports, including in–home, community–based, and institutional services. The Department shall provide periodic training to the Maryland Access Point network to increase awareness of the availability of the State’s earned income tax credit established under § 10–704 of the Tax – General Article. The Department shall administer, supervise, and coordinate the Program with the cooperation of the Department of Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing, and the Maryland Department of Health.

The Program shall designate local Maryland Access Point offices throughout the State to ensure easy access to the Program.

The Program shall, using its available resources, provide: options counseling; assistance concerning aging and disability issues and long–term services and supports planning; written materials regarding the availability of Program services; a public database, which can be accessed and searched on the Internet, of resources and services that could be useful to: individuals who may need long–term services and supports; caregivers of individuals who need long–term services and supports; and individuals involved in long–term services and supports planning; and other related services necessary for the Program’s success.