2025 -- H 5352

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LC001177

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Shekarchi, Noret, Spears, Carson, Ackerman,
and Shanley

     Date Introduced: February 07, 2025

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1.7 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Program to

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Address Alzheimer’s Disease" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections:

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     23-1.7-7. Creation of dementia services coordinator.

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     (a) The department of health shall establish a dementia services coordinator that shall be a

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full-time position within state government and shall be in the classified service.

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     (b) The dementia services coordinator shall have the following duties:

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     (1) Coordinate the department's approach to addressing Alzheimer's disease and other

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forms of dementia including, but not limited to, public awareness, prevention, and early detection;

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     (2) Oversee the implementation and updating of the Rhode Island Alzheimer's disease and

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related disorder state plan;

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     (3) Assess and analyze dementia-related data collected by the state;

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     (4) Evaluate state-funded dementia services;

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     (5) Identify and support the provision of dementia-specific training programs;

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     (6) Establish and maintain relationships with agencies, providers, and organizations within

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the state in order to meet the needs of those affected by dementia and prevent the duplication of

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services and initiatives;

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     (7) Recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services and

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resources provided by public and private entities;

 

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     (8) Recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services and

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resources provided by public and private entities;

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     (9) Identify grant opportunities to expand services for persons living the dementia as

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determined by the department; and

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     (10) Carry out other duties relevant to the support of individuals with dementia and their

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caregivers as determined by the department.

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     (b) The dementia services coordinator shall work in coordination with the advisory council

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on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders created pursuant to § 23-1.7-2.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

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     This act would create the position of dementia services coordinator within the department

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of health to coordinate the departments' approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of

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dementia.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001177

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