Bill > A3831

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Master Plan Study Commission" (commission) in the Department of Human Services. Under the bill, the commission is to consist of 15 members as follows: (1) the Commissioners of Health and Human Services; (2) two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate, who are not to be of the same political party; (3) two members of the General Assembly, to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, who are not to be of the same political party; and (4) nine members appointed by the Governor, as provided for in the bill. Under the bill, it is the duty of the commission to develop a master plan for the State to implement to address the impact of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. The master plan is to include measures to: (1) prepare the State to address the needs of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers; (2) educate the public to increase awareness and understanding about Alzheimer's and other related dementias utilizing identified community resources, services, and efforts; (3) improve the quality and effectiveness of the health care provided to individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (4) ensure adequate and sustainable funding for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (5) enable individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to live in the most integrated, community-based setting, in accordance with their needs and preferences; (6) foster opportunities for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to be meaningfully engaged in their communities; (7) support unpaid family caregivers who serve individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (8) develop programs and policies for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that impact mental and physical health, safety, and well-being; (9) develop programs and policies for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that enable individuals to receive services at home and in community-based settings as an alternative to institutionalization; (10) develop programs and policies for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that lift these individuals out of poverty; (11) establish benchmarks to assess and measure progress in accomplishing the master plan goals; (12) develop affordable housing options for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; and (13) prevent exploitation and abuse, including financial abuse and physical abuse, of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The commission is to submit the Master Plan to the Governor, and to the Legislature within two years of the appointment of a majority of the public members of the commission. This bill is to take effect immediately, and the commission is to expire 60 days after the submission of the plan required under the bill.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Kevin Rooney (R)*,  Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 03/16/2020)