Section 581-4 - Pennsylvania Council on Aging (Adm. Code Section 2204-A)(a) There is hereby created in the Office of the Governor the Pennsylvania Council on Aging which shall consist of twenty-one persons at least eleven of whom shall be sixty years of age or older, and which shall include the chairpersons of the regional councils on aging. Eleven members of the Pennsylvania Council shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of matters which come before it. Absence of a member at three consecutive meetings shall result in the member forfeiting his seat, unless he requests in writing and receives approval from the chairman for an absence necessitated by illness of the member or the death of a loved one.(b) The members of the council shall be nominated by the Governor, subject to the consent of a majority of the members elected to the Senate, and shall represent, as far as possible, different geographical sections of the Commonwealth. In addition, the council shall include representatives of long-term care providers such as, for example, adult day-care providers. The members shall serve staggered three-year terms and shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.(c) The council shall provide for its organization and procedure including the selection of a chairman and such other officers as deemed necessary.(d) The members of the council shall receive no compensation for their services on the council but shall be reimbursed by the department, in accordance with regulations, for any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.(e) The council shall meet at least six times per year to review and comment upon all reports of the Department of Aging to the Governor and the General Assembly.(f) The council shall have the following powers and duties:(1) Assist the department in the preparation of the State plan on aging.(2) To review and comment on rules and regulations promulgated by the department.(3) To prepare and submit to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Secretary of the Department of Aging and the public reports evaluating the level and quality of services and programs provided to the aging by Commonwealth agencies together with recommendations for improved, expanded or additional programs and services for the aging.(4) To carry out public hearings on matters affecting the rights and interests of the aging including matters involving cases of neglect, abuse and age discrimination against older persons in the administration of the laws of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions.(5) To carry out studies in the areas of age discrimination, health care, Medical Assistance program policies affecting the elderly, duration-of-stay contracts for nursing homes, health-related insurance increases and, as appropriate, other major issues affecting the aging and to report to the Governor, the General Assembly, the secretary and the public its findings and recommendations in regard to appropriate action and a long-term strategy for an appropriate manner in which to address these issues.(6) Consult with the secretary regarding the operations of the department.(7) To establish no more than five regional councils on aging which shall consist of fifteen citizen members and concerning which the composition, members' terms of offices, organization and duties and responsibilities shall be determined by the council.(8) Employ, with such funds as are annually appropriated by the General Assembly, sufficient staff and services to carry out these duties and powers as well as the duties and powers of the regional councils.1929, April 9, P.L. 177, art. XXII-A, § 2204-A, added 1978, June 20, P.L. 477, No. 70, § 6, effective 1/1/1979. Amended 1988, Dec. 15, P.L. 1244, No. 153, § 1, effective 1/1/1989.