Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 273 amends the Government Code to require the comptroller to develop and update an annual statewide consumer guide for senior citizens designed to assist senior citizens and their families in making informed choices regarding available senior services. The act requires an area agency on aging to submit to the comptroller annual information containing current information on local service providers and resources for senior citizens for inclusion in the senior citizen consumer guide. An interagency work group is established to assist the comptroller in developing the guide and is directed to consult with consumer and provider groups involved in the delivery of long-term care services, to develop a list of senior services that are not readily available, to submit recommendations for improving coordinated delivery of a continuum of care for senior citizens, and to submit recommendations relating to a comprehensive bill of rights for senior citizens. The act also requires the comptroller to coordinate a joint study of planning and financial strategies for long-term health care for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

            Senate Bill 273 requires the Texas Department on Aging to lead a group of state agencies formed to identify and address all major public policy issues relating to the aging of Texans and to form a broad-based public and private coalition to develop material and conduct public information campaigns to assist Texans in preparing for retirement and aging from a holistic perspective.