This bill establishes uniform training requirements for health care staff who care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The training will be mandatory for all direct care staff in licensed facilities, including assisted living residences, long-term care facilities, and hospitals, and will be overseen by the Commissioner of Health. Staff will need to complete a specified number of training hours every two years, with requirements varying based on their professional qualifications and roles. The training will cover essential topics such as the nature of dementia, effective communication strategies, and techniques for addressing the unique needs of dementia patients.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to incorporate these training requirements into the standards for dementia care homes and long-term care facilities. It specifies that successful completion of the training program will satisfy the training requirements for various health care professionals and facilities. The Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Long-Term Advisory Commission will also be responsible for preparing and submitting an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of the training requirements, including assessments of training providers and curriculum content. The overall goal of the bill is to enhance the quality of care for individuals with dementia and support unpaid caregivers in response to the growing demand for dementia-related services in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-152, 26:2M-7, 26:2M-7.2, 26:2M-13, 26:2M-21