§ 25-43-905 — Dementia services coordinator

(a) The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services shall establish a Dementia Services Coordinator as a full-time position. (b) The Dementia Services Coordinator shall: (1) Evaluate the coordination of dementia services within this state; (2) Coordinate information resources affecting Arkansans living with dementia and their caregivers, including without limitation: (A) Use dementia-related data to coordinate ways to improve public health outcomes and service delivery of persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia; (B) Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies, providers, and organizations within the state in order to meet the needs of affected populations and prevent the duplication of services; (C) Support the provision of dementia-specific staff training across all relevant state agencies, including law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, and other organizations; and (D) Recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services and resources provided by public and private entities; (3) Streamline all applicable state government services to increase efficiency and improve the quality of care in residential and home- and community-based settings; (4) Identify: (A) Any duplicated services; and (B) Grant opportunities to expand the scope of services for persons living with dementia and their caregivers and apply for the grant opportunities; (5) Complete other duties relevant to supporting policy development and implementation to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by dementia and their caregivers; (6) Promote public and professional awareness and education of dementia and access to needed services and programs; and (7) Collect and monitor data concerning the impact of dementia in Arkansas.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2023, No. 682,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.