AN ACT to establish a respite care program in certain counties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. The program created by Chapter 803 of the Public Acts of 1996, as amended by Chapter 381 of the Public Acts of 1997, to provide respite care to caregivers who are responsible for caring for ill or disabled persons is continued. The county office on aging shall be responsible for administering the provisions of such program. The county office on aging shall establish criteria for participation in such program and shall contract with public and private entities as necessary to provide program services. Such office shall seek to maximize federal, state, local and private funds available for such services. It is the intention of such program to allow persons to stay in a home environment whenever possible and to assist caregivers in such a manner as to allow such persons to remain in their home rather than requiring such persons to move to an assisted care facility or nursing home. In order for such caregivers to provide such assistance, respite care services must be available.

SECTION 2. The provisions of this act shall not constitute an appropriation of funds and no funds shall be obligated or expended pursuant to the provisions of this act unless such funds are specifically appropriated by the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 3. The provisions of this act shall only apply in any county having a population of not less than forty-six thousand (46,000) nor more than forty-six thousand five hundred (46,500) according to the 1990 Federal Census or any subsequent Federal Census.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.