CHAPTER 52

H.P. 793 - L.D. 1075

Resolve, To Ensure Appropriate Care for Older Persons with

Dementia and Certain Other Diseases

Sec. 1. Joint Advisory Committee on Select Services for Older Persons. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services shall jointly establish and provide support for the Joint Advisory Committee on Select Services for Older Persons, referred to in this resolve as "the advisory committee." The advisory committee shall operate until December 31, 2005. The advisory committee shall study the needs of older persons, including, but not limited to, services or treatment for mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse, dementia and cognitive impairments with behavioral issues associated with those impairments and shall advise the departments on services required to meet those needs. The advisory committee shall monitor the development by the departments of new initiatives to serve older persons with special needs. The advisory committee shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters once during 2003 and twice per year during 2004 and 2005.

During 2003 and 2004, the advisory committee shall convene a subcommittee representing older persons and their families, providers of long-term care and health care services, state and private agencies and advocates for older persons and their families. The subcommittee shall focus on issues concerning the care needs of older persons with cognitive impairments with behavioral issues associated with those impairments and options for developing and improving programs and services for those persons. The subcommittee shall report to the advisory committee periodically.