The bill proposes the establishment of a full-time Dementia Services Director position within the Department of Health in West Virginia, as part of the Alzheimer's Special Care Standards Act. This new role is intended to enhance the coordination and implementation of the State Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia Plan. The Director will work with various stakeholders and state agencies to evaluate and streamline dementia services, identify duplicated services, and seek grant opportunities to expand support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Additionally, the Dementia Services Director will be responsible for promoting public awareness and education about dementia, supporting staff training across relevant state agencies, and recommending strategies to improve access to dementia-related services. The Director will also collect and monitor data related to dementia, compile an annual report on the implementation status of the state plan, and ensure that this information is accessible to the public through the Department's website.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5R-9
Engrossed Version: 16-5R-9