The bill amends Chapter 23-1.7 of the General Laws, titled "Rhode Island Program to Address Alzheimer’s Disease," by adding a new section, 23-1.7-7, which focuses on education and outreach regarding brain health and dementia. The Department of Health, in consultation with the advisory council, is tasked with integrating information about brain health, dementia risk factors, and Alzheimer’s disease into existing public health outreach programs. The goal is to enhance public understanding of brain health, early warning signs of dementia, the importance of early detection, and the relationship between Alzheimer’s and other chronic health conditions. Additionally, the outreach programs will prioritize populations at higher risk for developing these conditions.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Health also incorporate similar information into healthcare provider education and outreach programs. This includes educating providers on the significance of risk reduction, early detection, and the use of validated assessment tools for cognitive impairment. The bill emphasizes the importance of these tools during Medicare annual wellness visits and outlines the relevant billing codes for care planning related to cognitive impairment. The act will take effect upon passage.