2019 -- H 5321

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LC001223

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

     Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, Shekarchi, McNamara, Lima, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: February 07, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1 of the General Laws entitled "Department of Health" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     23-1-59. Alzheimer's disease awareness campaign.

     (a) The general assembly finds that Alzheimer's disease and dementia have a substantial

negative impact on thousands of Rhode Island residents and results in subsequent loss of

productivity, employment and longevity and consequential severe economic loss.

     (b) The intent of this legislation is to establish a public awareness campaign to reduce

stigma and raise public awareness of the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in

order to promote early detection and accurate diagnosis.

     (c) The director of the department of health shall develop and implement a public

awareness campaign which shall provide information to the public to include, but not be limited

to:

     (1) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cognitive impairments associated with

Alzheimer's disease;

     (2) Available resources for screening and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease;

     (3) Identification of community-based assistance programs; and

     (4) The importance of early detection and intervention.

     (d) The director of the department of health shall make an annual report by September 1

to the governor, speaker of the house and president of the senate which shall detail the

composition of the public awareness campaign and which shall provide a detailed summary of

any funds expended to implement and promote the public awareness campaign.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

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     This act would establish an Alzheimer's disease awareness campaign to be administered

by the director of the department of health.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001223

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