N.M. Code R. § 9.2.3.11 - VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

A. The Older Americans Act establishes requirements for voluntary contributions. Each older person who receives Older Americans Act-funded services shall be provided an opportunity to voluntarily contribute to the cost of services rendered.

B. Area agencies on aging and other programs are allowed to, and may solicit, voluntary contributions for all Older Americans Act-funded services, provided that the method of solicitation is non-coercive. Each service provider may develop a suggested contribution schedule for services provided with Older Americans Act funds. In developing such a schedule, the provider shall consider the income ranges of older persons in the provider's community, as well as the provider's other sources of income.

C. Area agencies on aging and providers shall not means test for any service for which contributions are accepted, or deny services to any individual who does not contribute.

D. Each area agency on aging shall consult with its relevant service providers and older individuals in its planning and service area(s) to determine the best method(s) for accepting voluntary contributions.

E. Area agencies on aging and programs shall:

(1) Establish policies and procedures for soliciting, safeguarding, and accounting for contributions;

(2) Protect the privacy of each person with respect to his/ her contribution, or lack of contribution;

(3) Clearly inform each person that there is no obligation to contribute, and that contribution is voluntary;

(4) Fully describe the contribution policy in the area plan or in a provider's program plan;

(5) Use any collected contributions to expand the service(s) for which the contributions were given; and

(6) Post information regarding any suggested contributions at the service premises in a location convenient to the participants.

Notes

N.M. Code R. § 9.2.3.11

Recompiled 10/01/01 Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVI, Issue 12, June 30, 2015, eff. 6/30/2015