Chapter 378
2025 -- S 0481
Enacted 07/01/2025

A N   A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Introduced By: Senators Lauria, Valverde, Kallman, Lawson, Tikoian, Murray, Sosnowski, Felag, DiMario, and Dimitri

Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1.7 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Program to
Address Alzheimer’s Disease" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
     23-1.7-7. Education and outreach regarding brain health and dementia.
     (a) The department of health, in consultation with the advisory council created pursuant to
§ 23-1.7-2, shall incorporate information about brain health, dementia risk factors and risk
reduction, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias into existing public health outreach programs
to:
     (1) Increase public understanding and awareness of:
     (i) Brain health and dementia risk reduction;
     (ii) Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias;
     (iii) The value of early detection and timely diagnosis; and
     (iv) The relationship between Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other chronic health
conditions.
     (2) Ensure public awareness and outreach programs:
     (i) Provide clear, uniform guidance in nonclinical terms; and
     (ii) Prioritize populations at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias.
     (b) The department of health, in consultation with the advisory council created pursuant to
§ 23-1.7-2, shall incorporate information about brain health, dementia risk factors and risk
reduction, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias into existing healthcare provider education
and outreach programs to educate providers regarding:
     (1) The importance of risk reduction, early detection, and timely diagnosis of cognitive
impairment and dementia;
     (2) Validated assessment tools for the detection and diagnosis of cognitive impairment;
     (3) The value of validated cognitive assessment tools during Medicare annual wellness
visits; and
     (4) Medicare care planning billing codes for individuals with cognitive impairment,
provision of effective care planning, and available treatments.
     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC001532
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