Bill > HB173

This bill establishes the Dementia Care Specialist Program, administered by the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, to support individuals and families affected by dementia, which is defined as a cognitive decline disorder like Alzheimer's. The program will employ or contract with dementia care specialists, who are trained professionals providing care coordination, early detection assistance, system navigation, caregiver education, community outreach, and workforce training. These specialists will conduct cognitive assessments, offer early detection support and referrals, provide education and skills training for caregivers, train healthcare providers and first responders on dementia competency, and help communities develop dementia-friendly policies. The department will collaborate with various state agencies, healthcare systems, and tribal governments to implement the program, ensuring culturally appropriate services and outreach, and will collect data to measure its effectiveness, including impacts on caregiver stress and healthcare utilization, while adhering to privacy laws like HIPAA. The department is required to report on the program's progress, including specialist distribution, services provided, training activities, outcomes, cost savings, and recommendations, to the governor and legislative committees by October 1, 2028, and July 1, 2029. The bill also appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund to the department for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to fund this program, with any unspent funds reverting to the general fund at the end of fiscal year 2029. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=173&year=26