SB 1220
Initials FK Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: APPROP DP 6-3-1-0 | HHS DP 6-0-1-0 | 3rd Read 25-4-1-0
House: GOV DP 9-0-0-0
SB 1220: Alzheimer's disease state plan; appropriation
Sponsor: Senator Shope, LD 16
Caucus & COW
Overview
Requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to establish a dementia services program
(Program) and develop an Alzheimer's disease state plan (Plan). Appropriates $300,000 and two
FTE positions from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2024 to DHS to implement the Plan within
the Program.
History
DHS is established to promote and protect the health of residents and provide and coordinate
public health services and programs for Arizona. DHS is responsible for:
1) Promoting the development, maintenance, efficiency and effectiveness of local health
departments or districts;
2) Collecting and tabulating all information required about births;
3) Conducting a statewide health education program;
4) Coordinating local programs concerning control of preventable diseases, maternal and
child health, nutrition and dental health;
5) Establishing and maintaining laboratories;
6) Conducting continual evaluations of state, local and district public health programs; and
7) Licensing and regulating healthcare institutions (A.R.S. § 36-132).
Provisions
1. Designates DHS as the lead agency in Arizona to address Alzheimer's disease and related
forms of dementia (Alzheimer's). (Sec. 1)
2. Requires the DHS director to establish a Program within DHS that does all the following:
a) Facilitate coordination and support of policies and programs in the Legislature and the
executive branch, including agencies of the executive branch that relate to Alzheimer's;
b) Facilitate the coordination, review, publication and implementation of, and updates to the
Plan;
c) Facilitate and support coordination of outreach programs and services between state
agencies, local public health departments, tribal nations, educational institutions and
community groups to foster public awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's;
d) Facilitate the coordination of services and activities between groups that are interested in
dementia research, programs and services, including area agencies on aging, service
providers, advocacy groups, legal services, emergency personnel, law enforcement, local
public health departments, tribal nations and state colleges and universities;
e) Apply for federal funding and grants related to public health services for and early
detection and risk reduction of Alzheimer's;
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note SB 1220
Initials FK Page 2 Caucus & COW
f) Incorporate early detection and risk reduction strategies into existing department-led
public health programs. (Sec. 1)
3. Allows the Program to use community partners, state agencies and local governments for
assistance. (Sec. 1)
4. Requires DHS to develop a Plan that does all the following:
a) Assesses the current and future impact of Alzheimer's in Arizona;
b) Assesses the existing state services and resources that address the needs of persons
who have Alzheimer's and their family caregivers;
c) Assesses the needs of persons of all cultural backgrounds who have Alzheimer's and how
their lives are affected by the disease, including from younger-onset, through mid-stage,
to late-stage;
d) Assesses Arizona's capacity and capability to provide effective detection and diagnosis of
cognitive impairments and dementia;
e) Identify gaps in the provision of public services and private services for persons who have
Alzheimer's; and
f) Provides a strategic plan, including recommendations, for state action that does all of the
following:
i. Increases access to care, support and treatment for persons who have Alzheimer's;
ii. Improves the quality of care for persons who have Alzheimer's; and
iii. Ensure a coordinated statewide response to Alzheimer's; and
g) Be published on DHS's public website. (Sec. 1)
5. Requires DHS, on or before July 1, 2024, and every third year thereafter, to review the Plan
and submit the updated Plan to specified entities and submit a copy to the SOS. (Sec. 1)
6. Requires DHS to collaborate with persons who have Alzheimer's, those who directly care for
them and public, private and nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's care services,
research, advocacy, health care and caregiver support when reviewing and updating the Plan.
(Sec. 1)
7. Appropriates $300,000 and two FTE positions from the state GF in FY 2024 to DHS for the
Program for the implementation of the Plan. (Sec. 2)