MA H4302

Department of Public Health must develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, targeting healthcare providers and diverse communities at higher risk, with biannual reporting to the Joint Committee on Public Health starting January 1, 2027

Creates a Director of Dementia Care and Coordination position within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to implement the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, coordinate services across agencies, and assess dementia training requirements biannually

Requires MassHealth Senior Care Options (SCO) and One Care plans to include Dementia Care Coordination services as a benefit, providing trained care consultants to develop individualized family care plans for members diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia

Mandates dementia training for all first responders: 2 hours initial training and 1 hour biannual in-service education for municipal police, state police, firefighters, and EMS personnel covering symptom recognition, communication techniques, abuse identification, and local caregiving resources

Requires acute care hospitals to complete and update operational plans for dementia/delirium patient management every 5 years (first deadline July 1, 2027), allow caregivers to remain with dementia patients at all medically appropriate times, and contact caregivers upon admission and before discharge