REFERENCE TITLE: dementia training standards; study committee

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fourth Legislature First Regular Session 2019

SB 1357

Introduced by Senators Carter: Bowie, Brophy McGee

 

AN ACT

 

Establishing the alzheimer's and related dementias training standards and requirements study committee.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Alzheimer's and related dementias training standards and requirements study committee; membership; duties; report; delayed repeal

A.  The Alzheimer's and related dementias training standards and requirements study committee is established consisting of the following members:

1.  Three members of the house of representatives who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and who are members of different political parties.  The speaker of the house of representatives shall designate one of these members to serve as cochairperson of the committee.

2.  Three members of the senate who are appointed by the president of the senate and who are members of different political parties. The president of the senate shall designate one of these members to serve as cochairperson of the committee.

3.  The director of the department of health services or the director's designee who is a subject matter expert in healthy aging and Alzheimer's or related dementias.

4.  At least two representatives of a nonprofit organization that is engaged in supporting Alzheimer's and dementia in this state through outreach, education, support services, advocacy and research funding.  The cochairpersons of the committee shall appoint these members.

5.  At least one representative of a nonprofit organization that engages in health care policy who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

6.  At least one representative of an organization that provides support to first responders in this state who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

7.  A representative of a membership organization that works to improve health and well-being through advocacy, professional development and networking who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee

8.  A representative of an organization that is engaged in dementia training and support activities in this state who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

9.  A representative of a public university in this state who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

10.  A representative of an organization that provides support for health and wellness of persons suffering with Alzheimer's or related dementias who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

11.  At least two representatives from current law enforcement and first responders who have experience with Alzheimer's or related dementias who are appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

12.  A representative of a nonpartisan alliance of health and human service agencies, faith-based communities and advocacy networks who is appointed by the cochairpersons of the committee.

13.  At least one representative from the Arizona Alzheimer’s taskforce.

14.  At least one representative from the governor's office on aging.

15.  The governor's policy advisor on health or the policy advisor's designee.

B.  Committee members are not eligible to receive compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses pursuant to title 38, chapter 4, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes.

C.  The committee shall:

1.  Evaluate, research and make actionable recommendations for establishing and implementing policy related to improved dementia capable workforce training and standards with the goal of protecting our first line responders and those living with the disease.

2.  Focus on the feasibility and implications of mandating minimum training hour requirements, taking rural communities into account.

D.  The committee may hold hearings, conduct fact-finding tours and take testimony from witnesses who may assist the committee in fulfilling its responsibilities.

E.  The legislature shall provide staff and support services to the committee.

F.  On or before December 31, 2019, the committee shall submit a report regarding its findings and actionable recommendations, including recommendations for any legislation in 2020, to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.

G.  This section is repealed from and after September 30, 2020.