(4) Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

(5)__The department shall apply criteria for the assessment of Alzheimer's disease that:

(a)__Take into consideration that, during the course of Alzheimer's disease in an individual, the individual may experience periods when the application of the assessment criteria set forth in subparagraph (1) indicates greater medical and social needs of the individual and periods when the application of those criteria indicates fewer medical and social needs of the individual; and

(b)__Request and give appropriate weight in the evaluation process to input from physicians relevant to the consideration set forth in division (a).

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to consider the fluctuating nature of Alzheimer's disease so that the medical and social needs of a person being evaluated for the disease can be fully assessed and the appropriate level of services provided.