Relating to dementia service specialists, and providing an appropriation

This bill relates to dementia service specialists. The bill requires each area agency on aging to provide for the position of a dementia service specialist to increase access and connections to local supports and services for persons living with dementia, their families, and caregivers; and to increase awareness about dementia within the network of area agency on aging providers and in communities and businesses throughout the state. The bill also requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to provide for the position of a dementia-friendly state coordinator to provide statewide coordination of dementia-friendly initiatives and dementia service specialists. The bill provides that, at a minimum, the duties of a dementia service specialist shall include: supporting people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers including through provision of dementia-specific information and referrals and community memory screenings; building dementia-capable area agencies on aging through staff trainings, resources, and support; promoting dementia-friendly communities by serving as a supporter for dementia-friendly initiatives, presenting dementia-friendly sessions and trainings to consumers and businesses, and serving as a resource for dementia-friendly community action teams; and providing technical assistance for internal and external program planning to enhance relevance and improve access for people living with dementia including through support groups, evidence-based programs, meal sites, and home-delivered meal programs. The bill appropriates funding from the general fund of the state to HHS for FY 2024-2025 to be used by the area agencies on aging to provide a dementia service specialist in each of the area agencies on aging and to provide for a state dementia service specialist coordinator within HHS.