§ 16-5R-9 — Establishment of a Dementia Services Director position

The Department of Health shall establish a Dementia Services Director as a full-time, permanent position.

In collaboration with relevant stakeholders and state agencies, the Dementia Services Director shall:

(1) Coordinate implementation of the State Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia Plan;

(2) Evaluate the coordination of dementia services within this state;

(3) Evaluate all applicable state government services and make recommendations 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) Evaluate information and resources affecting West Virginians living with dementia and their caregivers, including:

(A) Support the provision of dementia-specific staff training across all relevant state agencies; and

(B) Recommend strategies to improve access to and coordination of dementia-related services and resources provided by public and private entities;

(6) Complete other duties relevant to supporting policy development and implementation to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by dementia and their caregivers;

(7) Promote public and professional awareness and education of dementia and access to needed services and programs;

(8) Collect and monitor dementia-related data to coordinate ways to improve public outcomes and service delivery; and

(9) Compile an annual report that is available on the Department's publicly accessible website outlining implantation status of the state plan, funding through grant applications, and office deliverables.

Legislative History

2025 Reg. Sess., HB2575