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IA HF893

IA HF893
A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator.(Formerly HSB 284.)


summary

Introduced
03/07/2025
In Committee
03/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator. The bill requires each area agency on aging to provide for the position of a dementia service specialist (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 services coordinator (coordinator) to provide statewide coordination of dementia initiatives and specialists. The bill provides that, at a minimum, the duties of a specialist shall include providing support, providing referrals, conducting cognitive screenings, building dementia-capable area agencies on aging, promoting dementia-capable communities, and providing technical assistance as detailed in the bill. The bill provides the duties of a coordinator shall include coordinating dementia services throughout the state, coordinating the specialist program, coordinating the Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias state plan, evaluating state dementia services, identifying trainings, and performing other duties as may be required.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that each area agency on aging in Iowa establish a dementia service specialist position aimed at improving support for individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. The specialist will have comprehensive responsibilities including conducting community education, providing referrals to support resources, performing cognitive screenings, training staff, promoting dementia-friendly community initiatives, and offering technical assistance to various programs and agencies. Additionally, the bill requires the department of health and human services to create a dementia services coordinator role responsible for statewide coordination of dementia initiatives, implementation of the state's Alzheimer's and related dementias plan, data analysis, service evaluation, and developing dementia-specific training programs. By creating these specialized positions, the bill seeks to enhance awareness, support, and services for individuals affected by dementia across Iowa, while also building organizational and community capacity to better understand and respond to dementia-related challenges.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Health And Human Services (House)

Last Action

Referred to Appropriations. H.J. 660. (on 03/14/2025)

bill text


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