MA S2554

Department of Public Health must develop a public awareness campaign on brain health and Alzheimer's disease, educating providers on early detection, cognitive assessment tools, and Medicare billing codes while targeting diverse communities at higher risk

Creates a Director of Dementia Care and Coordination position within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to coordinate implementation of the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan 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 individualized family care plans with guidance on caregiving strategies, safety, and community resources

Mandates dementia training for all law enforcement officers, state police, firefighters, and EMS personnel—2 hours initial training plus 1 hour biannually—covering symptom recognition, communication techniques, and abuse reporting protocols

Requires acute care hospitals to submit operational plans for managing dementia patients by July 1, 2027, allow caregivers to remain with dementia patients at all times when medically appropriate, and contact family/caregivers upon admission and before discharge