The proposed bill aims to improve care and awareness for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in Massachusetts by establishing a new section in Chapter 111 of the General Laws. It mandates the Department of Public Health to create a public awareness campaign focused on brain health and dementia, educating both healthcare providers and the public about early detection, treatment options, and available resources. The department is also required to report biannually on its progress, including data on racial and ethnic disparities related to dementia. Additionally, the bill creates a Director of Dementia Care and Coordination position within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to implement the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan and coordinate services across agencies. It mandates that Senior Care Options and One Care plans include Dementia Care Coordination services and emphasizes training for first responders to ensure appropriate interactions with individuals living with dementia.

Furthermore, the bill requires acute care hospitals to develop and submit operational plans to the Department of Public Health, addressing care for patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias, including staff education and caregiver communication. Hospitals must update these plans every five years and share them with relevant advisory councils and employees. The bill also introduces a new section outlining the rights of Alzheimer's and dementia patients and their caregivers in acute care settings, ensuring caregivers can remain with patients when medically appropriate and that timely communication occurs during admissions and discharges. It allows for sharing patient information with caregivers when the patient is incapacitated, provided it serves the patient's best interest, with certain exemptions during public health emergencies.