Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                      H.535
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                                    H.535
 Introduced by Representatives Krasnow of South Burlington, Andrews of
               Westford, Anthony of Barre City, Arsenault of Williston,
               Berbeco of Winooski, Bluemle of Burlington, Burke of
               Brattleboro, Burrows of West Windsor, Buss of Woodstock,
               Carroll of Bennington, Casey of Montpelier, Cina of
               Burlington, Cole of Hartford, Dodge of Essex, Farlice-Rubio of
               Barnet, Garofano of Essex, Graning of Jericho, Hango of
               Berkshire, Harrison of Chittenden, Headrick of Burlington,
               Hooper of Burlington, Howard of Rutland City, Hyman of
               South Burlington, LaBounty of Lyndon, Lalley of Shelburne,
               Leavitt of Grand Isle, McCann of Montpelier, McGill of
               Bridport, Minier of South Burlington, Morgan of Milton, Noyes
               of Wolcott, Nugent of South Burlington, Ode of Burlington,
               Page of Newport City, Patt of Worcester, Pouech of Hinesburg,
               Priestley of Bradford, Rachelson of Burlington, Stebbins of
               Burlington, Stone of Burlington, Torre of Moretown, Waters
               Evans of Charlotte, and Whitman of Bennington
 Referred to Committee on
 Date:
 Subject: Human services; public health; dementia; outreach campaigns VT LEG #372393 v.2
     BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                          H.535
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 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to direct various
 departments to educate health care providers and the public about dementia
 risks and the benefits of early detection.
    An act relating to public health outreach programs regarding dementia risk
 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
 Sec. 1. 33 V.S.A. § 6221 is amended to read:
 § 6221. PUBLIC EDUCATION RESOURCES
    (a) The Departments of Health and of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent
 Living shall jointly develop and maintain easily accessible electronic, print,
 and in-person public education materials and programs on Alzheimer’s disease
 and related disorders that shall serve as a resource for patients, families,
 caregivers, and health care providers. The Departments shall include
 information about the State Plan on Aging as well as resources and programs
 for prevention, care, and support for individuals, families, and communities.
    (b)(1) The Departments of Health, of Mental Health, and of Disabilities,
 Aging, and Independent Living, in consultation with the Commission on
 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and other relevant workgroups and
 community organizations, shall, as part of existing and relevant public health
 outreach programs:
          (A) educate health care providers regarding:
                                                                         VT LEG #372393 v.2
     BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                         H.535
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             (i) the value of early detection and timely diagnosis of
 Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia;
             (ii) validated assessment tools for the detection and diagnosis of
 Alzheimer’s disease, younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of
 dementia;
             (iii) the benefits of a Medicare annual wellness visit or other
 annual physical for an adult 65 years of age or older to screen for Alzheimer’s
 disease and other types of dementia;
             (iv) the significance of recognizing the family care partner as part
 of the health care team; and
             (v) the Medicare care planning billing code for individuals with
 Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia; and
          (B) increase public understanding and awareness of:
             (i) the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types
 of dementia; and
             (ii) the benefits of early detection and timely diagnosis of
 Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
       (2) In their public health outreach programs pertaining to Alzheimer’s
 disease and other types of dementia, the Departments shall provide uniform,
 consistent guidance in nonclinical terms with an emphasis on cultural VT LEG #372393 v.2
    BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                         H.535
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 relevancy and health literacy, specifically targeting populations at higher risk
 for developing dementia.
 Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
    This act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
                                                                       VT LEG #372393 v.2
Statutes affected: 
As Introduced: 33-6221