MD HB446

Establishes the Dementia Services and Brain Health Program within the Maryland Department of Health to lead state public health efforts on brain health and dementia, administered by the Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health.

Expands the duties of the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council to include examining health care provider readiness and capacity to deliver dementia care.

Requires the Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Aging and the Council, to develop a clinical toolkit for dementia care by January 1, 2027, providing health care providers with resources on risk factors, assessment tools, care planning, and treatment options.

Mandates the toolkit address racial and ethnic disparities in dementia detection, diagnosis, and treatment access, and include information on billing codes, referral pathways, and continuing education opportunities.

Takes effect October 1, 2026, with annual toolkit updates required beginning January 1, 2028.