Innovative Cognitive Care for Veterans Act of 2023
Impact
The bill's implementation is projected to have significant implications for the delivery of cognitive care to veterans, especially as the population ages and the prevalence of cognitive impairments rises. The current workforce challenges in the Department of Veterans Affairs, alongside increasing expenditure forecasts for veteran care, underscore the demand for innovative approaches in providing services for cognitive disorders. HB5002 emphasizes a factor-based selection process for service providers, giving preference to those with demonstrated experience and capability of delivering effective cognitive care solutions, thereby potentially improving the quality of services available to veterans.
Summary
House Bill 5002, titled the 'Innovative Cognitive Care for Veterans Act of 2023', aims to establish a pilot program to enhance cognitive care services for veterans suffering from cognitive disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The bill establishes a framework for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements with eligible entities to provide innovative services that can slow the progression of cognitive impairment among veterans. By including options like telehealth and virtual training tools for home health aides, the program is designed to address both current and future needs in veteran care, especially considering the increasing number of veterans expected to suffer from cognitive impairments.
Contention
While the bill has received support for its proactive approach in addressing the cognitive care needs of veterans, concerns may arise regarding its funding and the operational effectiveness of a pilot program. With the bill allowing for only a limited number of participants, questions remain about the scalability of the program and whether it can adequately cover the needs of the larger veteran population. There is also scrutiny regarding the selection process for service providers, ensuring that it truly prioritizes quality care and not merely cost efficiency. Overall, the success of HB5002 will hinge on its execution and the evaluation of its outcomes, especially after the pilot program concludes.
Revises Statewide transfer agreements for transfer of academic credit and reverse credit at participating institutions of higher education; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.
Providing for Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit; establishing the Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish academic credit and reverse credit transfer standards; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsman within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.