N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-181.4

Responsibility for developing policy to carry out the purpose of this Part is vested in the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services as provided in G.S. 143B-181.1 who may assign responsibility to the Assistant Secretary for Aging. The Assistant Secretary for Aging shall, at the request of the Secretary, be the bridge between the federal and local level and shall review policies that affect the well being of older people with the goal of providing a balance in State programs to meet the social welfare and health needs of the total population. Responsibilities may include:

(1) Serving as chief advocate for older adults;

(2) Developing the State plan which will aid in the coordination of all programs for older people;

(3) Providing information and research to identify gaps in existing services;

(4) Promoting the development and expansion of services;

(5) Evaluation of programs;

(6) Bringing together the public and private sectors to provide services for older people.