(a)    (1)    The Interagency Committee shall establish and coordinate a program to provide single points of entry within each planning and service area.

(2)    The Department shall supervise the program for the Interagency Committee.

(b)    Each area agency shall operate a single point of entry program to assess the needs of seniors and their caregivers and provide appropriate services.

(c)    The following services shall be provided through a single point of entry:

(1)    providing current information on available programs, services, or benefits;

(2)    determining the service needs of each senior who requests service;

(3)    processing requests for service from seniors;

(4)    through widely publicized local outreach facilities and communications systems, providing access to available public and private programs and services for seniors, including:

(i)    transportation services;

(ii)    health and nutrition services;

(iii)    financial assistance;

(iv)    social services;

(v)    educational services;

(vi)    services available through volunteer organizations or private agencies;

(vii)    appropriate housing arrangements;

(viii)    health insurance counseling;

(ix)    employment and volunteer opportunities;

(x)    respite care services; and

(xi)    other programs, information, counseling, or benefits for seniors;

(5)    monitoring the outcome of requests for service or information; and

(6)    arranging with other agencies for individual assessment to determine the service needs of a frail or health-impaired senior.

(d)    To the extent possible, each single point of entry shall be:

(1)    located in a senior citizen center; and

(2)    available for access at least 5 days a week.

(e)    Local interagency committees on services to seniors shall make agreements among themselves and with other agencies to provide staff on a regular basis at the single points of entry to:

(1)    provide information and services to seniors; and

(2)    administer agency programs.