|
|
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
|
|
HB 2202: appropriations; dementia care; telementoring program
Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1
Committee on Health & Human Services
Overview
Appropriates $300,000 from the state General Fund (GF) to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) in Fiscal Years (FYs) 2027-2029 that provides a grant to implement a Dementia Care Telementoring Program.
History
DHS is required to advance research in Arizona regarding: 1) the causes, epidemiology and diagnosis of diseases; 2) the formulation of cures for diseases; and 3) the development of medially accepted treatment and prevention of diseases, including the discovery and development of new drugs. DHS may enter into research and development agreements, royalty agreements, licensing agreements and profit sharing agreements concerning new products developed or to be developed through DHS-funded research (A.R.S. §§ 36-272 and 36-273).
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia (Alzheimer's Association). Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior (Alzheimer's Association).
Provisions
1. Appropriates $300,000 from the state GF to DHS in FYs 2027 – 2029 to provide a grant to implement a Dementia Care Telementoring Program (Program) to disseminate information regarding dementia care and best practices to health care providers statewide. (Sec. 1)
2. Authorizes DHS to provide a grant to state organizations that demonstrate the following. (Sec. 1)
a. experience operating telementoring programs;
b. expertise in neurology and best practices in dementia detection, diagnosis and treatment; and
c. capacity to deliver services statewide.
3. Requires the Program to provide a virtual connection for health care providers and content experts which includes:
a. didactics.
b. case studies;
c. emphasis on practice transformation; and
d. system level issues that affect care delivery. (Sec.1)
4. Requires the Program to serve and prioritize improving health care provider education within the state's rural and underserved communities. (Sec. 1)
5. Tasks DHS with ensuring that the program is evidence-based and reflects current best practices in dementia detection, diagnosis and care management.
6. Directs the grant recipient to:
a. develop and implement an outreach and recruitment plan to promote participation and retention in the program;
b. provide virtual, case-based telementoring sessions for health care providers;
c. offer continuing medical education or continuing education unit credit; and
d. collect and report participation and outcomes data to the department. (Sec. 1)
7. Requires the DHS to publish an annual summary report on its public website. (Sec. 1)
8. Repeals the program on January 1, 2030. (Sec. 1)
---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------
Initials AG/JA HB 2202
1/23/2026 Page 0 Health & Human Services
---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------