WEST virginia legislature

2023 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Bill 526

By Senators Takubo, Tarr, Woelfel, Deeds, Rucker, Grady, and Nelson

[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources; reported on February 15, 2023]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §16-66-1, relating to including the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in existing public health programs and services.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 66. Including the Early Detection and Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias in Existing Public Health Programs and Services.

§16-66-1. Inclusion of Alzheimer's disease in existing public health programs.

(a) The Bureau of Public Health, in partnership with the Bureau of Medical Services and the Alzheimer's Association, shall, in its existing public health programs and services, educate health care professionals on the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia, use of validated cognitive assessment tools in the delivery of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, provision of effective care planning and care management at all stages of dementia, and delivery of counseling and referral.

(b) The Bureau of Public Health, in partnership with the Bureau of Senior Services, shall, in its existing, relevant public health outreach programs, incorporate information to increase understanding and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including information about the early signs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias that should be discussed with health care professionals and the value of early detection and diagnosis, particularly among persons in diverse communities who are at greater risk of developing dementia.

(c) Any public awareness and/or educational outreach programs shall provide uniform, consistent guidance in nonclinical terms, with an emphasis on cultural relevancy and health literacy.