Section 2701. Purpose and functions

The department, at the discretion of
  the commissioner, shall:
    1.  Plan  public  health  programs   to   aid   in   the   prevention,
  rehabilitation   and   control  of  degenerative  diseases  and  chronic
  illnesses.
    2. Develop a  program  for  integrating  community  and  institutional
  agencies  and  facilities and for utilization of geriatric techniques to
  provide  a  comprehensive  program  of  prevention,  rehabilitation  and
  control of degenerative diseases and chronic illnesses.
    3.  Develop a plan for periodic health inventories for the middle-aged
  and elderly.
    4. Explore possibilities of reducing cost and improving  care  of  the
  chronically   ill   through   use   of   non-institutional  as  well  as
  institutional facilities.
    5. Develop laboratory, clinical and statistical  research  on  chronic
  disease  and  health  problems  of older people in consultation with the
  state medical society and other agencies, including the state department
  of mental hygiene and the state university of New York.
    6. (a) Carry on programs of professional  education  and  training  of
  medical   students,   physicians   and   nurses   in   the   prevention,
  rehabilitation, medical and nursing care of diseases of older people.
    (b) Plan and carry out the Alzheimer's disease assistance  program  to
  enhance  support  services for people with Alzheimer's disease and their
  caregivers. Services to be provided by the program may include:
    (i) education and training for health care practitioners,  caregivers,
  volunteers  and  informal  caregivers  regarding  services  for  or  the
  treatment of persons with Alzheimer's disease;
    (ii) counseling for families of persons with Alzheimer's disease;
    (iii)  respite  services  for  informal  caregivers  of  persons  with
  Alzheimer's disease; and
    (iv) technological assistance for persons with Alzheimer's disease.
    The commissioner shall make grants under this paragraph within amounts
  appropriated  therefore  to public and not-for-profit entities including
  local  health  agencies,  health  care  providers,  higher   educational
  institutions   affiliated   with   medical  facilities,  community-based
  organizations and other organizations  with  demonstrated  expertise  in
  serving   persons   with   Alzheimer's  disease.  The  commissioner  may
  coordinate grants under this paragraph with the availability  of  grants
  from other sources. The commissioner may also accept or seek grants from
  other sources to enhance amounts appropriated to this program.
    7.   Plan   and  carry  out  programs  to  stimulate  the  prevention,
  rehabilitation and control of chronic illnesses and the promotion of the
  health of adult, middle-aged and older persons, through  "day  hospital"
  and a "meals on wheels" demonstration projects.