This bill establishes new positions within Iowa's area agencies on aging, specifically a dementia service specialist and a dementia services coordinator, aimed at enhancing support for individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. Each area agency on aging is required to appoint a dementia service specialist to improve access to local resources and raise awareness about dementia in various communities. The duties of the specialist include providing support and referrals, conducting cognitive screenings, and promoting dementia-friendly initiatives. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a dementia services coordinator position within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to oversee statewide dementia initiatives and coordinate the efforts of the specialists.

To fund these initiatives, the bill appropriates $750,000 from the state’s general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding is designated for the area agencies on aging to ensure that each agency has a dementia service specialist and to support the coordinator role within HHS. The coordinator's responsibilities will include coordinating dementia services, implementing the state plan for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, evaluating existing services, and identifying necessary training programs.