REFERENCE TITLE: Alzheimer's disease state plan; appropriation

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

SB 1220

Introduced by

Senator Shope

An Act

amending title 36, chapter 1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 36-123.04; appropriating monies; relating to the department of health services.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

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

Section 1. Title 36, chapter 1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 36-123.04, to read:

START_STATUTE36-123.04. Dementia services program; duties; Alzheimer's disease state plan

A. The department is designated as the lead agency in this state to address Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementias.

B. The director shall establish a dementia services program within the department that does all of the following:

1. Facilitate coordination and support of policies and programs in the legislature and the executive branch, including agencies of the executive branch that relate to Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

2. Facilitate the coordination, review, publication and implementation of and updates to the Alzheimer's disease state plan developed pursuant to this section.

3. Facilitate and support coordination of outreach programs and services between state agencies, local public health departments, tribal nations, educational institutions and community groups for the purpose of fostering public awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

4. Facilitate the coordination of services and activities between groups that are interested in dementia research, programs and services, including area agencies on aging, service providers, advocacy groups, legal services, emergency personnel, law enforcement, local public health departments, Tribal Nations and state colleges and universities.

5. Apply for federal funding and grants related to public health services for and early detection and risk reduction of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

6. Incorporate early detection and risk reduction strategies into existing department-led public health programs.

C. The dementia services program may use community partners and agencies of this state and local governments for assistance.

D. The department shall develop an Alzheimer's disease state plan. The state plan must do all of the following:

1. Assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia on this state.

2. Assess the existing state services and resources that address the needs of persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia and their family caregivers.

3. Assess the needs of persons of all cultural backgrounds who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia and how their lives are affected by the disease, including from younger-onset, through mid-stage, to late-stage.

4. Assess this state's capacity and capability to provide effective detection and diagnosis of cognitive impairments and dementia.

5. Identify gaps in the provision of public services and private services for persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia.

6. Provide a strategic plan, including recommendations, for state action to do all of the following:

(a) Increase access to care, support and treatment for persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia.

(b) Improve quality of care for persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia.

(c) Advance risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

(d) Ensure a coordinated statewide response to Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

7. Be published on the department's public website.

E. On or before July 1, 2024, and every third year thereafter, the department shall review the Alzheimer's disease state plan and submit an updated state plan to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, and submit a copy to the secretary of state. When reviewing and updating the Alzheimer's disease state plan, the department shall collaborate with persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia, those who directly care for them and public, private and nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's care services, research, advocacy, health care and caregiver support. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2. Appropriation; department of health services; dementia services program; Alzheimer's disease state plan

The sum of $300,000 and two FTE positions are appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the department of health services for the dementia services program established in the department of health services pursuant to section 36-123.04, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act, and the implementation of the Alzheimer's disease state plan.