                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DECLARATION OF PURPOSE; DEPARTMENT FOR AGING AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES CREATED
(§ 51.5-117)

A. It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there exists
in the Commonwealth a need to ensure effective programs and services, and to
improve coordination of these programs and services, for citizens of the
Commonwealth who, for reasons of age, disability, or other physical factors,
face challenges in living independently in the community and accessing the full
range of programs and services to help them achieve independence and an improved
quality of life.

B. To achieve the objectives described in subsection A, there is hereby created
the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, with such powers and
duties as are set forth in this chapter. The Department shall work to ensure
effective communications access, technology, vocational, support, and protective
services for these citizens within the agency and across the Commonwealth.

C. The Department shall be in the executive branch of state government and shall
be assigned to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources.

HISTORY: 2012, cc. 803, 835.