Arkansas Senate Bill SB345

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Report Pass: 3/6/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/27/23
• Engrossed: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Enrolled: 4/6/23
• Chaptered: 4/11/23
• Passed: 4/11/23

Caption

To Create The Position Of Dementia Services Coordinator Within The Department Of Human Services.

Impact

The establishment of the Dementia Services Coordinator is expected to streamline the delivery of dementia-related services by coordinating information and resources between various agencies and organizations. This includes enhancing public health outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, identifying duplicative services, and promoting both public and professional awareness about dementia. The emphasis on collaboration among state agencies aims to improve the quality of care in residential and community settings.

Summary

Senate Bill 345 aims to improve the care and services for individuals living with dementia in Arkansas by establishing the position of Dementia Services Coordinator within the Department of Human Services. This full-time position is tasked with evaluating and coordinating dementia services across the state, ensuring that Arkansans affected by dementia and their caregivers have access to the necessary resources and support.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB345 is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a recognition of the increasing need for specialized dementia services as the population ages. Supporters appreciate the proactive approach to addressing the complexities of dementia care, which has traditionally been fragmented and inconsistent. There is a consensus among stakeholders that this new position can lead to improved policy development and integration of services, ultimately benefiting affected individuals and their families.

Contention

While the bill has received broad support, some discussions have raised concerns about the allocation of resources for this new position and whether it will be sufficient to effectively coordinate services across different sectors. Additionally, questions about the extent of the coordinator's authority and their ability to influence change in an already complex system of care have been noted. However, these concerns have not significantly hindered the bill's progress, as evidenced by the unanimous vote in favor during its third reading.