The Dementia Readiness and Awareness in Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2026 aims to enhance the training of medical professionals in the District of Columbia regarding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The legislation mandates a one-time, one-hour continuing education course focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with ADRD for certain licensed healthcare providers who interact with adult patients in clinical settings. This requirement is designed to address the significant gap in the detection and treatment of dementia, particularly among vulnerable populations, and to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to support their patients effectively.

To implement this requirement, the bill amends the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985 by adding a new paragraph that specifies the continuing education obligation for various health occupations, including medicine, physician assistants, and nursing. The amendment outlines the conditions under which existing and new licensees must complete the training, as well as provisions for recognizing approved training programs. Additionally, the requirement will not apply to health professionals who do not see adult patients in clinical settings or those who have completed specific training under a related act.