Senate, July 21, 2025 -- The committee on Aging and Independence to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 468) of Adam Gomez, Jason M. Lewis, Paul W. Mark, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia by developing a public awareness campaign on brain health, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2554).
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Date
Branch
Action
12/18/2025
Senate
12/18/2025 SenateCommittee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
7/21/2025
Senate
7/21/2025 SenateBill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia
Active
19 section(s) · formatted for easier reading
▸SECTION 1
Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 244 the following section:
▸SECTION 245
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Awareness and Data Collection
1. The Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias, and any additional community stakeholders as determined by the department, shall develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and incorporate the campaign into its existing, relevant public health outreach programs on an ongoing basis. The public awareness campaign shall:
(a) educate health care providers on the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment, validated cognitive assessment tools, current and emerging treatment options, the value of a Medicare Annual Wellness visit for cognitive health, and the Medicare and Medicaid care planning billing codes for individuals with cognitive impairment;
(b) increase public understanding and awareness of early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, the value of early detection and diagnosis, and how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among persons in diverse communities who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia; and
(c) inform health care professionals and the general public of dementia care coordination services for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and other resources and services available to individuals living with dementia and their families and caregivers.
The department shall strive to provide uniform, consistent guidance on Alzheimer’s and other dementia in nonclinical terms, with an emphasis on cultural relevancy and health literacy, specifically targeting diverse populations who are at higher risk for developing dementia in its public awareness and educational outreach programs.
2. Not later than January 1, 2027, and biannually thereafter, the department shall report to the Joint Committee on Public Health as well as to the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias regarding the department's work on the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map. As used in this section, "Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map" means the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's collaborative approach to fully integrate cognitive health into public health practice and reduce the risk and impact of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
3. The Department of Public Health shall include the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Healthy Aging Program’s module on Subjective Cognitive Decline or module on Caregiving in the annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey on a rotating annual basis to collect prevalence data on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, track trends over time and analyze data to direct public health programs and resources.
4. The Massachusetts State Health Assessment and any related data reports or tools shall include data on the racial and ethnic disparities for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias where available, as well as data pertaining to cognitive decline and caregiving collected as part of the annual BRFSS survey. All resulting reports shall provide data in an aggregate and de-identified format.
▸SECTION 2
Chapter 6A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 16FF the following section:
▸SECTION 16G
G. Massachusetts Director of Dementia Care and Coordination
1. There shall be a position titled Director of Dementia Care and Coordination within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall hire the director who shall report to the secretary or their designee. The director may call upon appropriate agencies of the state government for assistance as is needed. Duties and responsibilities of the director shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Coordinate the successful implementation of the Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan.
(b) Coordinate with relevant departments and the Chair of the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias to support the council’s work and annual updates to the Alzheimer’s state plan.
(c) Coordinate with the Department of Public Health on awareness efforts as directed through section 245 of Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws; Facilitate and support coordination of outreach programs and services between agencies, area agencies on aging, aging services access points and other community organizations for the purpose of fostering public awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
(d) Coordinate with relevant state agencies and community organizations to ensure coordination of services, access to services and a high quality of care for individuals with dementia and their family caregivers to meet the needs of the affected population and prevent duplication of services.
(f) Assess dementia-related training requirements for any professionals required to receive dementia training including healthcare, long term care, first responders and home and community based services professionals on a biannual basis, including hours required, frequency of training required and content of training, to determine whether existing training requirements meet the needs of the dementia community in Massachusetts; the assessment shall also include whether trainings incorporate the latest recommendations from leading national voluntary or governmental health organizations in Alzheimer’s care, support and research to ensure trainings are based on expert opinion and include evidence-based curriculum that result in a high quality of care for people living with dementia. Upon completion of the assessment, provide recommendations to the Department of Public Health, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias, the Board of Registration in Nursing and the Board of Registration in Medicine and any other appropriate departments or boards for additional training necessary to adequately support the dementia community in Massachusetts.
(g) Work with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, the Secretary of the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Board of Registration in Nursing, the Board of Registration in Medicine and any other appropriate departments or boards to ensure all professionals required to complete dementia training are in compliance.
(h) Work with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to ensure that hospitals are dementia capable and in compliance with Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018.
(i) Identify and manage grants to assist Massachusetts in becoming dementia-capable.
(j) Ensure collection and reporting of data related to the impact of Alzheimer's disease in the commonwealth; work with the department's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Coordinator in identifying available funds to execute appropriate modules for critical data collection and research; coordinate with the Department of Public Health to improve public health outcomes utilizing relevant dementia data.
▸SECTION 3
Chapter 118E of the general laws is hereby amended by adding the following new section:
▸SECTION 83
Dementia Care Coordination Benefit for SCO & One Care Members
(a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-
Dementia Care Coordination”, a proactive care consultation service provided to individuals living with dementia and their caregiver.
(b) To ensure that members of Senior Care Options (SCO) plans and One Care plans receive cost effective, quality dementia care, to lower other health care costs and provide support to caregivers, MassHealth shall require that all Massachusetts SCO plans and One Care plans include Dementia Care Coordination (DCC) services as a benefit to SCO and One Care members that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their caregivers.
DCC shall be initiated by a referral from the member’s care team. Upon referral, a patient with dementia and their caregiver or family member will receive a call from a trained care consultant, who shall provide care consultation services to the family, resulting in an individualized family care plan. A summary of the individualized family care plan shall be provided to the referring care team for inclusion in the health record.
Individualized care plans may provide guidance on dementia caregiving strategies, including symptom management strategies, communication techniques, legal and financial issues, safety recommendations, and recommendations for appropriate community support services.
(c) In order to meet the requirements of this Section, SCO and One Care plans may contract with community partners, or directly provide DCC services to their members.
▸SECTION 4
Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 116K:
▸SECTION 116L
Municipal police training committee; training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The municipal police training committee shall identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for law enforcement officers, in consultation with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts Chapter, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, and the Massachusetts Police Association. The committee may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All law enforcement officers shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identifying alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All law enforcement officers shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
▸SECTION 5
Chapter 22C of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 20:
▸SECTION 20A
State Police training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Department of State Police shall identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for state police officers, in consultation with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts Chapter, and the State Police Association of Massachusetts. The department may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All state police officers shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identifying alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All state police officers shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
▸SECTION 6
Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 164:
▸SECTION 164A
Massachusetts fire training council; training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Massachusetts fire training council will identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for firefighters, in consultation with the Massachusetts fire service commission, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts Chapter, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association. The council may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All firefighters shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identifying alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All firefighters shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
▸SECTION 7
Chapter 111C of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 9A:
▸SECTION 9B
EMS training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Department of Public Health will identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for EMS personnel, in consultation with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts Chapter and the Massachusetts Ambulance Association. The department may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All EMS personnel shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within
the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identify alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All EMS personnel shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
▸SECTION 8
Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended in Section 25N (a) (2) by inserting after the words “obstetrics/gynecology”, the following words:
“, geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry,”
▸SECTION 9
Chapter 112 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended in Section 12G ½ by inserting the words “or other dementias” after each occurrence of the words “Alzheimer’s disease".
▸SECTION 10
Section 8 of Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018 is hereby amended by striking out the words “not later than October 1, 2021” and inserting in place thereof the following: “not later than July 1, 2027 and every 5 years thereafter”.
Said section of Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018 is further amended by striking out subsections (i) through (iii) and inserting in place thereof the following:
(i) Complete an operational plan for the recognition and management of patients with dementia or delirium in acute-care settings. Upon completion of the operational plan, the plan shall be submitted to the Department of Public Health for approval. The department shall evaluate the plan and approve or offer amendments to the plan within 90 days of receipt. Once a final plan is approved by the Department of Public Health, the plan shall be implemented by the hospital.
(ii) The operational plan shall include provisions on the following: (a) education and training of clinical and non-clinical staff; (b) providing a dementia and/or delirium appropriate environment; (c) recognition of dementia and/or delirium; (d) patient management and treatment, including how to manage symptoms, treatment protocols and side effect management; (e) transition planning to improve and provide safe admissions, transfers and discharges, including protocols to ensure that patients living with dementia are safe and have a staff member or caregiver present during discharge or transfer; (f) advance care planning information; (g) caregiver communication and coordination, including protocols to ensure that a contact to a caregiver has been attempted upon arrival and prior to discharge if patient agrees; and (h) address additional applicable recommendations made by the Alzheimer’s and related dementias acute care advisory committee established pursuant to chapter 228 of the acts of 2014 and any additional guidance issued by the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association or the Department of Public Health;
(iii) Each hospital’s operational plan shall be updated at least every five years, with the option to update the plan more frequently as needed;
(iv) A copy of each hospital’s plan shall be provided to the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias upon approval;
(v) An electronic copy of each hospital’s operational plan shall be provided to each employee upon approval and a written copy of the plan shall be provided to any of its employees upon request; and
(vi) Each hospital shall keep a copy of the plan on file and make available for review by the public.
▸SECTION 11
Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 53H:
▸SECTION 53I
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patient and Caregiver Rights in Acute Care Settings; Safe Discharge for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients
(a) The department shall require acute care hospitals to allow a family member or other caregiver for patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, or for patients exhibiting symptoms of dementia or cognitive impairment, to remain with the patient at all times that are medically appropriate, including, but not limited to, while in the emergency department and while admitted as an inpatient. Caregivers for patients living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias shall not be required to adhere to restricted hospital visiting hours, unless it has been deemed unsafe for the patient, family member or caregiver.
(b) The department shall require acute care hospitals to create policies and protocols to ensure that a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for a patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is contacted as soon as possible following admission to the emergency department or hospital if the patient presents to the hospital without a family member, a caregiver, or a personal legal representative; provided, however, that the hospital shall only contact a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative if (i) the hospital has received consent from the patient if possible to do so; and (ii) to the extent consistent with federal and state law or regulation, and in the reasonable judgment of the hospital. If the patient is incapacitated or not able to provide consent, a health care provider may share the patient’s information with a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for a patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia as long as the health care provider determines, based on professional judgment, that it is in the best interest of the patient.
(c) The department shall require acute care hospitals to create policies and protocols to ensure that a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for a patient living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is contacted prior to the patient’s discharge to ensure a safe discharge, including suitable transport from the hospital, and review the discharge plan; provided, however, that the hospital shall only contact a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative if (i) the hospital has received consent from the patient if possible to do so; and (ii) to the extent consistent with federal and state law or regulation, and in the reasonable judgment of the hospital. If the patient is incapacitated or not able to provide consent, a health care provider may contact a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for the patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia as long as the health care provider determines, based on professional judgment, that it is in the best interest of the patient. If a family member, caregiver or personal legal representative is not able to be contacted or if the patient declines contact, the patient living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia shall meet with a hospital social worker or other professional who can assess for discharge safety and other supports needed prior to discharge.
(d) Subsections (a) through (c) shall also apply to a patient who presents with symptoms of dementia or cognitive impairment based on the assessment of the physician overseeing their care in the hospital.
(e) Subsections (a) through (d) shall be exempted during a declared public health state of emergency.
(f) The department shall promulgate regulations consistent with the provisions of subsections (a) through (e). The department shall also ensure that subsections (a) through (d) comply with all state and federal privacy requirements, including those imposed by 45 C.F.R. § 164.510(b).
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SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 244 the following section:
Section 245. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Awareness and Data Collection
1. The Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias, and any additional community stakeholders as determined by the department, shall develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and incorporate the campaign into its existing, relevant public health outreach programs on an ongoing basis. The public awareness campaign shall:
(a) educate health care providers on the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment, validated cognitive assessment tools, current and emerging treatment options, the value of a Medicare Annual Wellness visit for cognitive health, and the Medicare and Medicaid care planning billing codes for individuals with cognitive impairment;
(b) increase public understanding and awareness of early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, the value of early detection and diagnosis, and how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among persons in diverse communities who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia; and
(c) inform health care professionals and the general public of dementia care coordination services for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and other resources and services available to individuals living with dementia and their families and caregivers.
The department shall strive to provide uniform, consistent guidance on Alzheimer’s and other dementia in nonclinical terms, with an emphasis on cultural relevancy and health literacy, specifically targeting diverse populations who are at higher risk for developing dementia in its public awareness and educational outreach programs.
2. Not later than January 1, 2027, and biannually thereafter, the department shall report to the Joint Committee on Public Health as well as to the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias regarding the department's work on the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map. As used in this section, "Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map" means the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's collaborative approach to fully integrate cognitive health into public health practice and reduce the risk and impact of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
3. The Department of Public Health shall include the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Healthy Aging Program’s module on Subjective Cognitive Decline or module on Caregiving in the annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey on a rotating annual basis to collect prevalence data on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, track trends over time and analyze data to direct public health programs and resources.
4. The Massachusetts State Health Assessment and any related data reports or tools shall include data on the racial and ethnic disparities for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias where available, as well as data pertaining to cognitive decline and caregiving collected as part of the annual BRFSS survey. All resulting reports shall provide data in an aggregate and de-identified format.
SECTION 2. Chapter 6A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 16FF the following section:
Section 16GG. Massachusetts Director of Dementia Care and Coordination
1. There shall be a position titled Director of Dementia Care and Coordination within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall hire the director who shall report to the secretary or their designee. The director may call upon appropriate agencies of the state government for assistance as is needed. Duties and responsibilities of the director shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Coordinate the successful implementation of the Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan.
(b) Coordinate with relevant departments and the Chair of the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias to support the council’s work and annual updates to the Alzheimer’s state plan.
(c) Coordinate with the Department of Public Health on awareness efforts as directed through section 245 of Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws; Facilitate and support coordination of outreach programs and services between agencies, area agencies on aging, aging services access points and other community organizations for the purpose of fostering public awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
(d) Coordinate with relevant state agencies and community organizations to ensure coordination of services, access to services and a high quality of care for individuals with dementia and their family caregivers to meet the needs of the affected population and prevent duplication of services.
(f) Assess dementia-related training requirements for any professionals required to receive dementia training including healthcare, long term care, first responders and home and community based services professionals on a biannual basis, including hours required, frequency of training required and content of training, to determine whether existing training requirements meet the needs of the dementia community in Massachusetts; the assessment shall also include whether trainings incorporate the latest recommendations from leading national voluntary or governmental health organizations in Alzheimer’s care, support and research to ensure trainings are based on expert opinion and include evidence-based curriculum that result in a high quality of care for people living with dementia. Upon completion of the assessment, provide recommendations to the Department of Public Health, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias, the Board of Registration in Nursing and the Board of Registration in Medicine and any other appropriate departments or boards for additional training necessary to adequately support the dementia community in Massachusetts.
(g) Work with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, the Secretary of the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Board of Registration in Nursing, the Board of Registration in Medicine and any other appropriate departments or boards to ensure all professionals required to complete dementia training are in compliance.
(h) Work with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to ensure that hospitals are dementia capable and in compliance with Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018.
(i) Identify and manage grants to assist Massachusetts in becoming dementia-capable.
(j) Ensure collection and reporting of data related to the impact of Alzheimer's disease in the commonwealth; work with the department's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Coordinator in identifying available funds to execute appropriate modules for critical data collection and research; coordinate with the Department of Public Health to improve public health outcomes utilizing relevant dementia data.
SECTION 3. Chapter 118E of the general laws is hereby amended by adding the following new section:
Section 83. Dementia Care Coordination Benefit for SCO & One Care Members
(a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-
Dementia Care Coordination”, a proactive care consultation service provided to individuals living with dementia and their caregiver.
(b) To ensure that members of Senior Care Options (SCO) plans and One Care plans receive cost effective, quality dementia care, to lower other health care costs and provide support to caregivers, MassHealth shall require that all Massachusetts SCO plans and One Care plans include Dementia Care Coordination (DCC) services as a benefit to SCO and One Care members that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their caregivers.
DCC shall be initiated by a referral from the member’s care team. Upon referral, a patient with dementia and their caregiver or family member will receive a call from a trained care consultant, who shall provide care consultation services to the family, resulting in an individualized family care plan. A summary of the individualized family care plan shall be provided to the referring care team for inclusion in the health record.
Individualized care plans may provide guidance on dementia caregiving strategies, including symptom management strategies, communication techniques, legal and financial issues, safety recommendations, and recommendations for appropriate community support services.
(c) In order to meet the requirements of this Section, SCO and One Care plans may contract with community partners, or directly provide DCC services to their members.
SECTION 4. Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 116K:
Section 116L. Municipal police training committee; training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The municipal police training committee shall identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for law enforcement officers, in consultation with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts Chapter, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, and the Massachusetts Police Association. The committee may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All law enforcement officers shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identifying alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All law enforcement officers shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
SECTION 5. Chapter 22C of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 20:
Section 20A. State Police training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Department of State Police shall identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for state police officers, in consultation with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts Chapter, and the State Police Association of Massachusetts. The department may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All state police officers shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identifying alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All state police officers shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
SECTION 6. Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 164:
Section 164A. Massachusetts fire training council; training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Massachusetts fire training council will identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for firefighters, in consultation with the Massachusetts fire service commission, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts Chapter, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association. The council may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All firefighters shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identifying alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All firefighters shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
SECTION 7. Chapter 111C of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 9A:
Section 9B. EMS training program for appropriate interactions with persons living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The Department of Public Health will identify or develop and implement a dementia training program for EMS personnel, in consultation with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts Chapter and the Massachusetts Ambulance Association. The department may also consult with other appropriate organizations and agencies having an interest and expertise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or those representing or working with first responders. The program must include instruction on the identification of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, risks such as wandering and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with them.
1. All EMS personnel shall complete at least two (2) hours of initial training within
the recruit basic training curriculum. The program shall cover the following:
a. Dementia and symptoms associated with dementia;
b. Communication issues, including how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the individual who has dementia in order to determine the most appropriate response and effective communication techniques to enhance collaboration with caregivers;
c. Techniques for understanding and approaching behavioral symptoms and identify alternatives to physical restraints;
d. Identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence Adult Protective Services;
e. Protocols for contacting caregivers when a person with dementia is found wandering, or during emergency or crisis situations; and
f. Local caregiving resources that are available for people living with dementia.
2. All EMS personnel shall complete at least one (1) hour of biannual in-service education covering the subjects described in subsections (a) through (f). The biannual in-service training shall qualify towards the minimum credit hours required for in-service education.
SECTION 8. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended in Section 25N (a) (2) by inserting after the words “obstetrics/gynecology”, the following words:
“, geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry,”
SECTION 9. Chapter 112 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended in Section 12G ½ by inserting the words “or other dementias” after each occurrence of the words “Alzheimer’s disease".
SECTION 10. Section 8 of Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018 is hereby amended by striking out the words “not later than October 1, 2021” and inserting in place thereof the following: “not later than July 1, 2027 and every 5 years thereafter”.
Said section of Chapter 220 of the Acts of 2018 is further amended by striking out subsections (i) through (iii) and inserting in place thereof the following:
(i) Complete an operational plan for the recognition and management of patients with dementia or delirium in acute-care settings. Upon completion of the operational plan, the plan shall be submitted to the Department of Public Health for approval. The department shall evaluate the plan and approve or offer amendments to the plan within 90 days of receipt. Once a final plan is approved by the Department of Public Health, the plan shall be implemented by the hospital.
(ii) The operational plan shall include provisions on the following: (a) education and training of clinical and non-clinical staff; (b) providing a dementia and/or delirium appropriate environment; (c) recognition of dementia and/or delirium; (d) patient management and treatment, including how to manage symptoms, treatment protocols and side effect management; (e) transition planning to improve and provide safe admissions, transfers and discharges, including protocols to ensure that patients living with dementia are safe and have a staff member or caregiver present during discharge or transfer; (f) advance care planning information; (g) caregiver communication and coordination, including protocols to ensure that a contact to a caregiver has been attempted upon arrival and prior to discharge if patient agrees; and (h) address additional applicable recommendations made by the Alzheimer’s and related dementias acute care advisory committee established pursuant to chapter 228 of the acts of 2014 and any additional guidance issued by the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association or the Department of Public Health;
(iii) Each hospital’s operational plan shall be updated at least every five years, with the option to update the plan more frequently as needed;
(iv) A copy of each hospital’s plan shall be provided to the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias upon approval;
(v) An electronic copy of each hospital’s operational plan shall be provided to each employee upon approval and a written copy of the plan shall be provided to any of its employees upon request; and
(vi) Each hospital shall keep a copy of the plan on file and make available for review by the public.
SECTION 11. Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following section after Section 53H:
Section 53I. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patient and Caregiver Rights in Acute Care Settings; Safe Discharge for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients
(a) The department shall require acute care hospitals to allow a family member or other caregiver for patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, or for patients exhibiting symptoms of dementia or cognitive impairment, to remain with the patient at all times that are medically appropriate, including, but not limited to, while in the emergency department and while admitted as an inpatient. Caregivers for patients living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias shall not be required to adhere to restricted hospital visiting hours, unless it has been deemed unsafe for the patient, family member or caregiver.
(b) The department shall require acute care hospitals to create policies and protocols to ensure that a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for a patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is contacted as soon as possible following admission to the emergency department or hospital if the patient presents to the hospital without a family member, a caregiver, or a personal legal representative; provided, however, that the hospital shall only contact a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative if (i) the hospital has received consent from the patient if possible to do so; and (ii) to the extent consistent with federal and state law or regulation, and in the reasonable judgment of the hospital. If the patient is incapacitated or not able to provide consent, a health care provider may share the patient’s information with a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for a patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia as long as the health care provider determines, based on professional judgment, that it is in the best interest of the patient.
(c) The department shall require acute care hospitals to create policies and protocols to ensure that a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for a patient living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is contacted prior to the patient’s discharge to ensure a safe discharge, including suitable transport from the hospital, and review the discharge plan; provided, however, that the hospital shall only contact a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative if (i) the hospital has received consent from the patient if possible to do so; and (ii) to the extent consistent with federal and state law or regulation, and in the reasonable judgment of the hospital. If the patient is incapacitated or not able to provide consent, a health care provider may contact a family member, a caregiver, or the personal legal representative responsible for the patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia as long as the health care provider determines, based on professional judgment, that it is in the best interest of the patient. If a family member, caregiver or personal legal representative is not able to be contacted or if the patient declines contact, the patient living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia shall meet with a hospital social worker or other professional who can assess for discharge safety and other supports needed prior to discharge.
(d) Subsections (a) through (c) shall also apply to a patient who presents with symptoms of dementia or cognitive impairment based on the assessment of the physician overseeing their care in the hospital.
(e) Subsections (a) through (d) shall be exempted during a declared public health state of emergency.
(f) The department shall promulgate regulations consistent with the provisions of subsections (a) through (e). The department shall also ensure that subsections (a) through (d) comply with all state and federal privacy requirements, including those imposed by 45 C.F.R. § 164.510(b).