SB 331

Abstract

Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Requires the Department on Aging to develop and implement a dementia training program that must include instruction on the identification of people with dementia, risks such as wandering, communication impairments, and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with people with dementia. Provides that training of at least 2 hours shall be completed at the start of employment with the Adult Protective Services division. Provides that the training shall cover the following subjects: (i) Alzheimer's disease and dementia; (ii) safety risks; and (iii) communication and behavior. Requires persons who are employees of the Adult Protective Services division on the effective date of the amendatory Act to complete this training within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that annual continuing education shall include at least 2 hours of dementia training covering the same subjects discussed during initial training. Grants the Department rulemaking authority.