Bill > SB1203

This bill aims to improve early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by requiring all health care providers who accept Medicare to conduct cognitive assessments for Medicare Part B beneficiaries aged 65 and older during their annual wellness visits. Under the proposed law, health care providers must use standardized and FDA-approved assessment tools, and patients can choose to decline the assessment, which must then be noted in their medical record. Providers are required to submit detailed annual reports to the Executive Office on Aging, including information such as assessment results, patient demographics, and follow-up actions, while maintaining patient confidentiality. The bill includes several exemptions, such as for providers who do not accept Medicare, patients already diagnosed with dementia, and patients unable to undergo assessment. The legislation is motivated by compelling data showing the significant economic and personal impact of cognitive decline, including projections that by 2060, nearly 14 million U.S. adults may have Alzheimer's, and that early diagnosis could potentially save billions in medical and care costs. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes an appropriation for data management and reporting costs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1203&year=2025