§ 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.