In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commission” means the Commission on Aging established under § 10–208 of this title. “Program” means the Innovations in Aging Services Program.

There is an Innovations in Aging Services Program in the Department. The purposes of the Program are to: provide competitive funding grants to design and test innovative ideas in programs and services for seniors; publicly disseminate the results of the tests; and help meet the need for personnel trained to provide services to seniors in the State.

With the advice of the Commission, the Secretary shall: develop annually a Program plan; and submit the plan to the Governor and General Assembly for approval as part of the annual State budget. The plan shall set forth priorities for: funding grants for innovative services to seniors; and training personnel who provide services to seniors in the State. The plan shall include provisions for: funding grants that are sought by Communities for a Lifetime to the extent practicable; and evaluating any program funded under the plan. The Secretary may accept money from any public or private source to fund grants awarded under this subtitle.

The Secretary shall solicit grant proposals to implement the Program priorities approved by the Governor and the General Assembly under § 10–603(a) of this subtitle. With the advice of the Commission, the Secretary shall award grants funded in accordance with the approved Program priorities. The Secretary shall provide for the evaluation, by recognized authorities in the field of services to seniors, of the programs funded by the grants.

The Secretary shall report annually to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the evaluations of programs funded under this subtitle.

The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.