New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI,
Issue 18 / September 23, 2025
title 9 HUMAN
RIGHTS
CHAPTER 2 AGE
PART 15 STATE-FUNDED
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
9.2.15.1 Issuing agency: New Mexico Aging and
Long-Term Services Department (NMALTSD).
[9.2.15.1
NMAC - Rp, 9.2.15.1 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.2 Scope: These rules apply to
members of the public and organizations that participate in the delivery of
services to New Mexico’s aging and disability populations.
[9.2.15.2
NMAC - Rp, 9.2.15.2 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.3 Statutory authority: Aging and Long-Term Services Department Act, Sections 9-23-1 to 9-23-12 NMSA 1978; Older Americans Act of 1965, 42 U.S.C. Sections
3001 to 3058, and implementing regulations.
[9.2.15.3 NMAC - Rp,
9.2.15.3 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.4 Duration: Permanent.
[9.2.15.4 NMAC - Rp,
9.2.15.4 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.5 Effective date: September 23, 2025,
unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.
[9.2.15.5 NMAC - Rp,
9.2.15.5 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.6 Objective: The objective of
this rule is to establish standards for the state-funded senior companion
programs administered by the aging and long-term services department.
[9.2.15.6 NMAC - Rp,
9.2.15.6 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.7 Definitions: The senior companion
program (SCP) provides contracts to qualified organizations for the dual
purposes of engaging persons 55 and older, particularly those with limited
incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and of providing
high quality experiences that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Senior companions provide supportive,
individualized services to help older adults with special needs maintain their
dignity and independence. State-funded
senior companions may receive stipends to support their volunteer work.
[9.2.15.7 NMAC - Rp,
9.2.15.7 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.8 Legal references: Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. Sections 4950 to 5085; 42 U.S.C. Section 12651;
Senior Companion Program, 45 C.F.R. Section 2551.
[9.2.15.8 NMAC -
Rp, 9.2.15.8 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.9 CORPORATION
FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE HANDBOOK:
A. The
department adopts the most current corporation for national and community service
(CNCS) senior companion program handbook as the operating rules and procedures
with which state-funded senior companion programs must comply.
B. Eligibility
for state-funded senior companion programs is the same as for the CNCS program.
However, the
department secretary may waive any provisions of the CNCS handbook except those
which will jeopardize a program’s continued federal sponsorship.
[9.2.15.9 NMAC - Rp,
9.2.15.9 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.10 department responsibilities: The department
shall:
A. allocate
funds appropriated by the state legislature:
(1) to
current contractors to maintain or enhance levels of operation; and
(2) to
expand services based on determined need;
B. contract
with new organizations to the extent that funds are available;
C. conduct
at least one assessment of each contractor every two years; and
D. provide
training and technical assistance to volunteers and staff of contract
organizations.
[9.2.15.10
NMAC - Rp, 9.2.15.10 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
9.2.15.11 contractor responsibilities: Contractors shall:
A. comply
with federal and state regulations and policies, except to the extent that the
department has granted a waiver of any federal policies;
B. submit
an annual budget proposal and work plan in the format established by the
department;
C. submit
monthly financial expenditure reports and requests for reimbursement to the
department, as requested;
D. submit
reports to the department in the form and manner required and specified by the
department in the contract scope of work;
E. submit
an annual financial audit as requested by the department;
F. coordinate
with other aging network providers, particularly in the areas of
transportation, outreach, and supportive services;
G. attend
required meetings and training sessions; and
H. budget
sufficient state funds to allow at least one representative to attend the
annual New Mexico conference on aging and one state aging network training
session.
[9.2.15.11
NMAC - Rp, 9.2.15.11 NMAC, 09/23/2025]
HISTORY OF 9.2.15 NMAC:
Pre-NMAC History: The
material in this part was derived from that previously filed with the State
Records Center:
SAA Rule No. 95-15, State Funded Senior Companion Program,
filed 4/13/1995.
History of Repealed Material:
SAA Rule No. 95-1,
(filed 4/13/1995) - Repealed 6/30/2015.
9.2.15 NMAC, State Funded Senior Companion Program, filed 6/17/2025
Repealed effective 09/23/2025.
Other: 9.2.15 NMAC, State Funded Senior Companion Program, filed 6/17/2025
Replaced by 9.2.15
NMAC, State Funded Senior Companion
Program effective 09/23/2025.