§ 2701. Purpose and functions. The department, at the discretion of the commissioner, shall:

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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.