SB3377 Summary

• Requires the Department on Aging to develop and implement a dementia training program for Adult Protective Services division employees covering identification of people with dementia, risks like wandering, communication impairments, elder abuse, and best practices for interaction.

• Mandates 4-hour initial training at the start of employment covering dementia/psychiatric/behavioral symptoms, respectful communication, behavioral techniques, safety measures, law enforcement protocols, self-neglect identification, and connecting clients to dementia care resources.

• Requires 2 hours of annual continuing education on dementia training using the same subject matter as initial training.

• Specifies that more rigorous existing training requirements in current law or rules shall apply, and the Department shall avoid duplicating requirements while ensuring minimum standards are met.

• Grants the Department rulemaking authority to administer the dementia training program.