Shekarchi Legislation to Support Alzheimer’s Care Signed Into Law
The governor has signed into law legislation passed by the General Assembly to better support Rhode Islanders affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Cynthia A. Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), who led the Senate’s Special Task Force to Study Elderly Abuse and Financial Exploitation this year. In the House, the bill was sponsored by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi.
“This legislation will create a more cohesive approach to our state’s efforts to serve people with Alzheimer’s disease, which will ensure that our resources are used to their fullest effect. It will help Rhode Island make sure that our efforts are well coordinated and that we are doing everything we can to assist families touched by this devastating disease,” said Leader Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).
Legislation (2019-S 0223, 2019-H 5178), sponsored in the House by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi, establishes a program within the Department of Health dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease, and create a 13-member advisory council that would provide policy recommendations, evaluate state-funded efforts for care and research and provide guidance to state officials on advancements in treatment, prevention and diagnosis. The bill is based on legislation signed into law last year in Massachusetts.
The bill requires the Department of Health to assess all state programs related to Alzheimer’s, and maintain and annually update the state’s plan for Alzheimer’s disease. It also requires the Department of Health to establish an Alzheimer’s disease assessment protocol specifically focused on recognizing the signs and symptoms of cognitive impairments, and appropriate resource information for effective medical screening, investigation and service planning. The bill requires caseworkers working with the Department of Elderly Affairs to be familiar with those protocols. Additionally, it requires a one-time, hour-long training on diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with cognitive impairments for all physicians and nurses licensed in the state.
Adoption of the bill enables Rhode Island to qualify for federal funding that is available to help states with their efforts to support those with Alzheimer’s disease.