Bill > S2771

This bill, known as the "Alzheimer's Disease Public Awareness and Education Act," mandates that the Department of Human Services (DHS), under the direction of the Commissioner of Human Services, establish a public awareness and education program for Alzheimer's disease, contingent on available funding. The program's primary goal is to increase public understanding of Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection and potential treatments, including their benefits and risks. To support this initiative, the DHS is authorized to accept grants of money, services, or property from various sources, including the federal government, organizations, and medical schools. The program will encompass several key components: a public campaign to raise awareness and provide education on the disease's nature, symptoms, coping strategies, safety, available services, and the advantages of early diagnosis; the creation of educational materials to be distributed through local health departments, doctors, hospitals, and clinics; and the development of specialized training programs for judicial staff, law enforcement officers, firefighters, social service providers, and emergency medical service personnel to help them recognize Alzheimer's symptoms and effectively assist individuals with the disease. Furthermore, the DHS, in collaboration with the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, will publish easily understandable information about Alzheimer's symptoms and treatments on the DHS website in both English and Spanish. The bill also allows for the adoption of necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions and specifies an effective date 180 days after enactment, with provisions for advance administrative actions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2771