(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.