NY S01449

Establishes an Alzheimer's disease outreach and education program under the Office for the Aging in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, targeting medical and non-medical professionals, consumers, caregivers, and organizations serving persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Program purposes include promoting earlier identification of dementia in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and assisted living facilities; providing information on community support services including caregiver support groups and respite care; and promoting public awareness of Alzheimer's resources.

Program elements include educational materials in multiple formats, training curricula for institutions and in-service training, public service announcements, and toll-free hotlines and electronic services.

Materials shall be made available free to the public when appropriate or for a fee in certain circumstances, maintained current with best practices, and culturally and linguistically appropriate for communities served.

Director may appoint advisory councils including healthcare professionals, providers, senior service providers, organizations representing persons with dementia, consumers, and patients, with members receiving no compensation but reimbursed for actual expenses.