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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
Alzheimer's disease state plan; appropriation
Purpose
Requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to establish a dementia services program and develop an Alzheimer's disease state plan. Appropriates $300,000 and two full-time employee (FTE) positions from the state General Fund (state GF) in FY 2024 to DHS for the dementia services program and the Alzheimer's disease state plan.
Background
DHS is established to promote and protect the health of residents and provide and coordinate public health services and programs for Arizona. Responsibilities of DHS include but are not limited to: 1) promoting the development, maintenance, efficiency and effectiveness of local health departments or districts; 2) collecting and tabulating all information required in reference to births; 3) conducting a statewide health education program; 4) coordinating local programs concerning control of preventable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition and dental health; 5) establishing and maintaining laboratories; 6) conducting continual evaluations of state, local and district public health programs; and 7) licensing and regulating health care institutions (A.R.S. § 36-132).
Dementia is a general term that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. Disorders grouped under "dementia" are caused by abnormal brain changes that can trigger a decline in cognitive ability that may be severe enough to impair daily life, independent function and affect behavior, feelings and relationships (Alzheimer's Association).
Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. It is a progressive disease, where symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors (Alzheimer's Association).
SB 1220 appropriates $300,000 and two FTE positions from the state GF to DHS.
Provisions
1. Designates DHS as the lead state agency to address Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.
2. Requires the DHS Director to establish a dementia services program within DHS that:
a) facilitates the coordination and support of policies and programs in the Legislature and executive branch, including state agencies, that relate to Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia;
b) facilitates the coordination, review, publication and implementation of the Alzheimer's disease state plan;
c) facilitates and supports coordination of outreach programs and services between state agencies, local public health departments, tribal nations, educational institutions and community groups to foster public awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia;
d) facilitates 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;
e) applies 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; and
f) incorporates early detection and risk strategies into existing DCS-led public health programs.
3. Requires DHS to develop an Alzheimer's disease state plan that:
a) assesses the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia on the State of Arizona;
b) assesses the existing state services and resources that address the needs of persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia and their family caregivers;
c) assesses 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-state, to late-stage;
d) assesses the state's capacity and capability to provide effective detection and diagnosis of cognitive impairments and dementia;
e) identifies gaps in the provision of public and private services for persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia;
f) provides a strategic plan, including recommendations, for state action; and
g) is published on the DCS public website.
4. Requires the strategic plan for state action, with regards to persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia, to:
a) increase access to care, support and treatment;
b) improve quality of care;
c) advance risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis; and
d) ensure a coordinated statewide response.
5. Requires, by July 1, 2024, and every third year thereafter, DHS to review the Alzheimer's disease state plan and submit an updated plan to the:
a) Governor;
b) President of the Senate;
c) Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
d) Secretary of State.
6. Requires, in reviewing and updating the Alzheimer's disease state plan, DHS to collaborate with:
a) persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia;
b) those who directly care for persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia; and
c) public, private and nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's care services, research, advocacy, health care and caregiver support.
8. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2023
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