HCS/HBs 508 & 145 - The Division of Aging would be required to establish the "Shared Care" program to help families who provide the primary long-term care for an elderly person. The goals of the program are to: (1) provide services and support for families caring for an elderly person; (2) increase awareness of the variety of privately funded services which may be available to those persons caring for an elderly person; (3) increase awareness of the variety of government services which may be available to those caring for an elderly person; (4) recognize, on an annual basis, by the Governor those families participating in the Shared Care program and community project groups participating in the Shared Care program; (5) provide a tax credit to a registered care giver, defined as a shared care member living in the same residence with and caring for an elderly person without monetary compensation; and (6) provide community involvement.

The Director of the Department of Social Services shall promulgate rules and procedures for the Shared Care program as follows: (1) maintain a list of names and addresses of shared care members and shared care providers; (2) annually provide shared care members a list of public and private resources, services and programs which may be available to assist and support the registered care giver; (3) encourage shared care providers, consumer groups, churches and other organizations to help local communities develop local support systems; and (4) develop a physician certification form to be given to shared care members upon request.
CHERYL GRAZIER