Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
04/12/2022 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB175 | |
| SB124 | |
| SB216 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 175 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 184 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 216 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 216-DEMENTIA AWARENESS
1:59:57 PM
CHAIR WILSON reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 216 "An Act relating to
dementia awareness."
2:00:22 PM
SENATOR MIA COSTELLO, speaking as sponsor, stated that SB 216 is
important because Alzheimer affects so many Alaskans. The bill
does two things. First, it would create a statewide Dementia
Awareness Program to educate Alaskans about dementia. Second, it
would set the state up to receive federal funding for dementia
education through the 2018 Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD)
Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. She deferred further
introduction to Katie McCall.
CHAIR WILSON recognized that Senator Begich had joined the
committee.
2:02:01 PM
KATIE MCCALL, Staff, Senator Mia Costello, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, read the sponsor statement for SB
216 on behalf of the sponsor:
Senate Bill 234 addresses the growing number of people
living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
by directing the Department of [Health] to develop a
statewide dementia awareness program with the goal of
educating the public about the importance of early
detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Fewer than half of Americans living with Alzheimer's
disease receive a formal diagnosis, meaning that many
Alaskans with dementia have yet to receive a
diagnosis, which further delays valuable treatment
options. Senate Bill 234 is intended to improve the
rate of diagnosis for dementia in Alaska and to
educate clinicians, health professionals, and the
public on the early warning signs of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is one of ten types of dementia
and is the ninth leading cause of death for Alaskans.
More than 12,500 Alaskans are currently living with
dementia, and with the implementation of a statewide
dementia awareness program, the number of Alaskans who
receive an early diagnosis is expected to increase.
The creation of a dementia awareness campaign will
help diagnose those suffering from dementia and help
Alaska be prepared for what has been called "the most
underrated threat to public health in the 21st
century." Additionally, the creation of the dementia
awareness program within the Department of [Health]
will position the state to receive federal funding for
dementia education, which is available through the
2018 federal legislation known as the "Building Our
Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act,"
or the BOLD Act.
2:03:58 PM
MS. MCCALL read the sectional analysis for SB 216 on behalf of
the sponsor:
Sec. 1 AS 18.09.300 Page 1, Lines 3-15 & Page 2,
Lines 1-29
Is amended by adding a new section that would create a
statewide dementia awareness program within the
Department of [Health]. This new section requires the
program to secure the full benefits available to the
state under the federal law 42 U.S.C. 280c-3 280c-5.
The department is required to create and provide
dementia educational materials to health boards,
physicians, hospitals, and medical clinics for
distribution to the public.
The department must also develop educational programs
for the court system, law enforcement, firefighters,
social service providers, and emergency responders to
educate those individuals on recognizing the symptoms
and needs of persons with dementia.
This new section of law requires the department to
maintain a list of state providers who diagnose,
evaluate, or manage dementia.
The department is also required to develop and
implement a public awareness campaign by coordinating
with the major state and national nonprofit dementia
organizations.
The public awareness campaign will implement
community-based programs to educate the public about
dementia and encourage the public to seek diagnosis.
Additionally, the awareness campaign will publicize
the scope and magnitude of dementia in the state,
promote the benefits of early detection and diagnosis,
increase awareness of methods to minimize the risk of
developing dementia, and inform Alaskans about
services available in the state to diagnose and treat
dementia.
2:05:48 PM
SENATOR HUGHES asked how much funding the state expects to
receive, when it would be available, and what it could be used
for related to dementia.
MS. MCCALL deferred to Elizabeth Bolling to speak to the federal
legislation.
SENATOR HUGHES said she would wait until Ms. Bolling testifies,
and she might also be the one to talk about whether early
diagnosis of dementia might improve the prognosis.
MS. MCCALL offered her understanding that early diagnosis
improves outcomes for both the person experiencing Alzheimer's
and their family.
2:07:41 PM
CHAIR WILSON turned to invited testimony on SB 216.
2:07:59 PM
PAM KELLEY, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska
(ARA), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that ARA is the largest
dementia services organization operating in the state, with
offices in MatSu, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. She advised
that she also chairs the Alaska Dementia Action Collaborative
that is a workgroup of more than 35 public, private, tribal, and
nonprofit stakeholders working to improve the state's ability to
prepare for the growing number of Alaskans who experience
dementia.
MS. KELLEY reported that ARA has assisted tens of thousands of
Alaskans affected by dementia over the last 38 years. Many
approach ARA after they or a family member has begun to
experience symptoms. By then it's usually too late for
preventative measures, but ARA works with the individuals to
help slow the rate of cognitive decline, maintain engagement in
their community and environment, and help them plan and adapt to
these progressive and ultimately fatal conditions.
MS. KELLEY stressed the need to build greater awareness in those
Alaskans who are not experiencing the wearying symptoms
dementia, because that is what it will take to reduce the grim
forecast. The Dementia Action Collaborative current estimate is
that 12,500 Alaskans experience dementia today and that by 2030
that number will have reached 23,000. She said most people in
their 20s, 30s, or 40s aren't thinking about dementia, but that
is when the risk factors can be modified.
MS. KELLEY said she didn't want the committee to think that
there's no public awareness work on dementia being done in
Alaska, There is, but it's being done piecemeal. ARA and many
other organizations work at health fairs, community events, and
at speaking engagements, but what SB 216 would do is help Alaska
create a population-wide campaign. It would include messages in
many languages about early lifestyle choices to minimize risk
and the value of early detection.
MS. KELLEY said she supports SB 216 because she wants the state
to have better data about the extent of dementia in Alaska. She
knows the Division of Public Health has the expertise to refine
that data and operate a health campaign that has impact. She
relayed that she also knows that federal dollars are available
to help in that effort and that to have dedicated expertise in
the department that is focused on dementia will be an important
resource for Alaska in the years to come. She said it is for all
these reasons that the Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska and the
Dementia Action Collaborative support SB 216.
2:13:19 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked if she worked with or was aware of the
Commission on Aging's position on the bill.
MS. KELLEY answered yes; the Commission on Aging supports SB
216. That organization is part of the Dementia Action
Collaborative.
CHAIR WILSON noted that Nona Safra with the Commission on Aging
was also invited to testify and she was up next.
2:14:39 PM
NONA SAFRA, Member, Alaska Commission on Aging, Homer, Alaska,
stated support for SB 216 on behalf of the commission. She read
the following prepared testimony:
We are currently working on the next five-year plan
for senior services, and dementia awareness will be
part of that plan as it has become a public health
crisis that's devastating to Alaska. The Commission on
Aging works with partners such as the Mental Health
Trust, Alzheimer's Resources, and the Traumatic and
Acquired Brain Injury Council to explore what is
working and what isn't so we can best understand the
impact dementia has on Alaskans, their caregivers, and
their families in our ever-growing population of
seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans. And
we can better understand the challenges of those whose
dementia is complicated by mental illness, brain
injury, developmental disabilities, and substance
abuse. But our workforce and budget may be impacted by
the sheer number of Alaskans who will be diagnosed
with dementia in the next decade. So Alaska needs a
better way to handle this.
MS. SOFRA continued her testimony:
A staggering example of the scope of the issue can be
seen in the Pioneer Homes where it is estimated that
58 percent of the residents have dementia, and that
number will be rising.
SB 216 helps Alaskans who have or are caring for
someone already diagnosed with dementia and those who
have yet to be properly diagnosed by raising awareness
of changes that can be made to their lifestyles and
behaviors to mitigate the onset of dementia.
Today, I'm also speaking as an Alaska who has a brain
injury, which increases my odds for dementia. Imagine
my anxiety every time I'm forgetful. This bill will
teach Alaskans like me how to delay that onset. But
I'm also a caregiver for someone who has been
diagnosed with Alzheimer's, so I'm speaking from
experience and my heart. It would be an understatement
to say it was challenging to navigate the path to get
help once I understood someone I care about had
dementia. It was too late for him to benefit from the
awareness programs but it's not too late for other
Alaskans and those who love them. SB 216 will help
them get better access to diagnosis, evaluations, and
to manage this disease.
So I speak for Alaskans who have brain injuries from
accidents, health conditions, as well as the thousands
of survivors in our state of domestic abuse who don't
understand that their odds have increased and that
things can be done now to change their odds. The
passage of SB 216 gives Alaskans a safety net, which
provides Alaskans a viable alternative before crisis
intervention is necessary. We're moving Alaska in the
right direction with its passage. With federal receipt
authority written in, Alaska can access funds under
the BOLD Act. Not applying for these funds would be a
missed opportunity for Alaska families.
MS. SOFRA continued her testimony:
As an advocate for seniors, veterans, and others with
disabilities, I ask you, 'If I'm not for others, who
am I? And if not now, when?'
Alaskans like me depend on you, our senators, to do
this so I urge the committee to support this bill.
2:18:40 PM
CHAIR WILSON noted who was available to answer questions and
asked Elizabeth Bolling if she had any comments or responses to
the member's ongoing questions.
2:19:00 PM
ELIZABETH BOLLING, Public Policy Manager, Alzheimer's
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, started that she could provide
an explanation of the federal funding available for dementia
education through the 2018 BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's
Act. She credited the federal delegation for helping to get an
additional $25 million for the program that has four levels of
grants for which states can apply. Because Alaska has no
dementia education programs, SB 216 will help the state qualify
for the Core Capacity Grant, which is typically between $300
thousand and $500 thousand.
2:20:00 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO asked if she could provide information about
the four levels of federal grants in the program.
MS. BOLLING stated that the Core Capacity Grant is to create a
public awareness program. The next level is to create a
statewide dementia coalition. She noted that Alaska currently
has an informal coalition that is funded through the Alaska
Mental Health Trust, but to qualify for this level of grant the
state would need to create an officially designated organization
to do statewide coalition dementia work. To qualify for the
third level would require updating the strategic plan using
federal roadmaps for dementia as a guide. The last grant level
is the Enhanced Recipient Level, which is for states that have
robust dementia programs that usually engage with tribes on a
variety of services or implement activities that are aligned
with federal strategic plans.
2:22:01 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked her to send the details to his office about
the grant levels and how the state might qualify, and he would
distribute the information to the committee.
MS. BOLLING said she would send the grant information,
information about the BOLD Act, and the Health Brain Initiative
Road Map to his office
2:22:41 PM
CHAIR WILSON opened public testimony on SB 216; finding none, he
closed public testimony.
[CHAIR WILSON held SB 216 in committee.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Supports SB216.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 Letter of Support Mental Health Trust.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 Letter of Support AARP.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 Letter of Support SEIU.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 LOS 3.21.22.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 Sectional Analysis v. A.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| Trust LOS SB216 Final.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 Alzheimer's Association 10 Warning Signs.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 216 FN PH 4.8.22.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 216 |
| SB 184 A 1.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 184 |
| SB 124 MSHF Letter of Support.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 124 |
| SB 124 V I.pdf |
SHSS 4/12/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 124 |