Bill > SB1249

This bill designates the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) as the lead agency to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, establishing a dementia services program within the department to coordinate state agency efforts, manage the Alzheimer's disease state plan, seek relevant funding, and integrate brain health strategies into public health programs. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive state plan that assesses the impact of Alzheimer's and related dementias, identifies gaps in services and resources for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and proposes strategic recommendations to improve access to care, enhance the quality of dementia care, promote early detection and brain health, support caregivers, and improve dementia-related data collection. DHS will convene an advisory council or working group to assist with planning and implementation, and will conduct annual stakeholder engagement sessions, seeking input from individuals with dementia, caregivers, and relevant organizations, with public notice and accommodations provided. The state plan must be updated and submitted to state leadership by September 30, 2027, and every three years thereafter, and will be published on the DHS website. The bill also defines "caregiver" as an unpaid individual providing regular assistance to someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Finally, it appropriates $600,000 from health services lottery monies to DHS for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund the dementia services program and the implementation of the state plan.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84765