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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: HHS DPA 6-0-1-0 | ATT DPA 10-0-0-0 | Third Read 28-0-2-0 |
SB 1249: Alzheimer's disease state plan; appropriation
Sponsor: Senator Shope, LD 16
Committee on Health & Human Services
Overview
Establishes a Dementia Services Program within the Department of Health Services (DHS) and Directs DHS to develop an Alzheimer's Disease State Plan (State Plan). Appropriates $600,000 from the Health Services Lottery Monies Fund to DHS in fiscal year (FY) 2027 for the Dementia Services Program and the implementation of the State Plan.
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 disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior (Alzheimer's Association).
The State Lottery Fund includes all revenues generated from the sale of lottery tickets or shares, including proceeds from specified games, gaming fees and any other monies credited or transferred from other funds or sources. The Health Services Lottery Monies Fund (Fund), administered by DHS, consists of statutorily allocated transfers from the State Lottery Fund for teenage pregnancy prevention programs, the Health Start Program and the federal Women, Infants and Children Food Program (A.R.S. §§ 5-572 and 36-108.01).
Provisions
1. Establishes DHS as the lead agency in Arizona to address Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia. (Sec. 1)
2. Requires the DHS Director to establish a Dementia Services Program within the agency that does all of the following:
a. facilitates the coordination of programs that relate to Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia in all state agencies;
b. facilitates the coordination, review, publication and implementation of and updates to the State Plan;
c. applies for public health funding and grants related to Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia; and
d. incorporates evidence-based brain health strategies into relevant DHS-led public health programs. (Sec. 1)
3. Requires DHS to develop a State Plan that assesses the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia in Arizona. (Sec. 1)
4. Requires the State Plan to assess and identify gaps in services, resources and system capacity related to the care, treatment and support of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their caregivers. (Sec. 1)
5. Requires the State Plan to develop strategic, measurable recommendations for state actions to improve care, support and system coordination for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their caregivers, as outlined. (Sec. 1)
6. Directs DHS to convene or designate an advisory council or working group to assist in planning, conducting and evaluating stakeholder engagement and State Plan implementation, review and updates. (Sec. 1)
7. Specifies that the membership of the advisory council or working group must reflect a diversity of stakeholders related to Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia, as outlined. (Sec. 1)
8. Requires DHS to conduct stakeholder engagement sessions at least once each calendar year to solicit input on the State Plan. (Sec. 1)
9. Requires DHS to seek feedback from and collaborate with persons who have Alzheimer's disease, or a related form of dementia, direct caregivers and public, private and nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's care services, research, advocacy, health services and caregiver support. (Sec. 1)
10. Requires DHS to provide public notice of the stakeholder engagement session at least 30 days before each session, including the date, time, location or virtual access information, a summary agenda and instructions for submitting written comments. (Sec. 1)
11. Directs DHS to ensure meaningful participation by stakeholders statewide, including rural and underserved communities, and provide reasonable accommodations and language access. (Sec. 1)
12. Requires DHS to accept written comments for at least 14 days following each engagement session. (Sec. 1)
13. Requires DHS, by September 30, 2027, and at least every three years thereafter, to update and submit the State Plan to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, provide a copy to the Secretary of State and publish the plan on DHS's public website. (Sec. 1)
14. Defines caregiver as an unpaid person who provides regular assistance in activities of daily living for a person living with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia. (Sec. 1)
15. Appropriates $600,000 from the Fund in FY 2027 to DHS for the Dementia Services Program and the implementation of the State Plan. (Sec. 2)
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19. Initials AG/LK SB 1249
20. 3/10/2026 Page 0 Health & Human Services
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