AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments' approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.)

S2874

2026 -- S 2874
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LC005719
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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:
Senators DiPalma, Valverde, Ujifusa, and Lauria

Date Introduced:
March 04, 2026

Referred To:
Senate 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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LC005719
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LC005719 - Page 3 of 3