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H7542
2026 -- H 7542
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LC004976
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Introduced By:
Representatives Casimiro, Shekarchi, Ackerman, McNamara, Shallcross
Smith, Diaz, McEntee, Craven, Carson, and Casey
Date Introduced:
February 06, 2026
Referred To:
House Health & Human Services
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1.7 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Program to
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Address Alzheimer’s Disease" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections:
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23-1.7-8. Creation of dementia services coordinator.
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(a) The department of health shall establish a dementia services coordinator that shall be a
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full-time position within state government and shall be in the classified service.
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(b) The dementia services coordinator shall have the following duties:
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(1) Coordinate the department's approach to addressing Alzheimer's disease and other
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forms of dementia including, but not limited to, public awareness, prevention, and early detection;
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(2) Oversee the implementation and updating of the Rhode Island Alzheimer's disease and
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related disorder state plan;
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(3) Assess and analyze dementia-related data collected by the state;
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(4) Evaluate state-funded dementia services;
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(5) Identify and support the provision of dementia-specific training programs;
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(6) Establish and maintain relationships with agencies, providers, and organizations within
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the state in order to meet the needs of those affected by dementia and prevent the duplication of
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services and initiatives;
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(7) Recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services and
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resources provided by public and private entities;
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(8) Recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services and
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resources provided by public and private entities;
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(9) Identify grant opportunities to expand services for persons living the dementia as
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determined by the department; and
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(10) Carry out other duties relevant to the support of individuals with dementia and their
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caregivers as determined by the department.
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(b) The dementia services coordinator shall work in coordination with the advisory council
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on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders created pursuant to § 23-1.7-2.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
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This act would create the position of dementia services coordinator within the department
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of health to coordinate the departments' approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of
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dementia.
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This act would take effect on July 1, 2026.
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