(a) The commission shall

(1) subject to review by the department, approve a comprehensive statewide plan that identifies and addresses the concerns and needs of older Alaskans and, with reference to the approved plan, prepare and submit to the governor and legislature an annual analysis and evaluation of the services that are provided to older Alaskans;

(2) make recommendations directly to the governor and the legislature with respect to legislation, regulations, and appropriations for programs or services that benefit older Alaskans;

(3) encourage the development of municipal commissions serving older Alaskans and community-oriented programs and services for the benefit of older Alaskans;

(4) employ an executive director who serves at the pleasure of the commission;

(5) help older Alaskans lead dignified, independent, and useful lives;

(6) request and receive reports and audits from state agencies and local institutions concerned with the conditions and needs of older Alaskans;

(7) give assistance, on request, to the senior housing office in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation in administration of the senior housing loan program under AS 18.56.710 - 18.56.799 and in the performance of the office's other duties under AS 18.56.700; and

(8) provide to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, for its review and consideration, recommendations concerning the integrated comprehensive mental health program for persons who are described in (d) of this section and the use of the money in the mental health trust settlement income account in a manner consistent with regulations adopted under AS 47.30.031.

(b) To accomplish its duties, the commission may

(1) review, evaluate, and comment upon state programs concerned with the problems and the needs of older Alaskans;

(2) collect facts and statistics, and make studies of conditions and problems pertaining to the employment, health, housing, financial security, social welfare, and other concerns that bear upon the well-being of older Alaskans;

(3) provide information about public programs that would be of interest or benefit to older Alaskans;

(4) appoint special committees, which may include persons who are not members of the commission, to complete necessary studies;

(5) promote community education efforts regarding the problems and concerns of older Alaskans;

(6) contract for necessary services;

(7) consult and cooperate with persons, organizations, and groups interested in or concerned with programs of assistance to older Alaskans;

(8) advocate improved programs of benefit to older Alaskans; and

(9) recommend standards for levels of services for older Alaskans for programs administered by the department.

(c) The commission may not investigate, review, or undertake any responsibility for the longevity bonus program under AS 47.45.010 - 47.45.160 or the Alaska Pioneers' Home or Alaska Veterans' Home under AS 47.55.

(d) When the commission formulates a comprehensive statewide plan under (a) of this section, it shall include within the plan specific reference to the concerns and needs of older Alaskans who have a disorder described in AS 47.30.056(b)(4).