Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1170

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator, and providing an appropriation.(See SF 547.)

Impact

The implementation of SSB1170 is expected to significantly improve the availability and quality of services for individuals with dementia across Iowa. By requiring agencies to create specific roles dedicated to dementia services, the bill aims to ensure that caregivers have access to the resources and knowledge needed to support their loved ones effectively. Additionally, it aims to foster dementia-capable communities that are proactive in supporting individuals dealing with dementia, thereby enhancing overall community health and welfare.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1170 (SSB1170) focuses on establishing a structured support system for individuals suffering from dementia, along with their families and caregivers. The bill mandates each area agency on aging in Iowa to appoint a dementia service specialist who will facilitate access to local resources and enhance community awareness regarding dementia. This specialist is envisioned to play a crucial role in linking families to necessary support services and conducting educational outreach to promote understanding of dementia in various localities, including communities and businesses.

Contention

While the bill primarily benefits dementia patients and their families, there may be discussions regarding the allocation of funds and resources. SSB1170 appropriates $750,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to support these initiatives. Concerns may arise regarding how effectively these funds will be utilized and whether they will meet the growing needs of these populations. There might also be debates about the ability of area agencies to implement these roles effectively, considering potential variations in resources and capacities across different regions.

Companion Bills

IA SF547

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator, and providing an appropriation.(Formerly SSB 1170.)

IA HF893

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator.(Formerly HSB 284.)

IA HSB284

Related A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator.(See HF 893.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2008

A bill for an act relating to dementia service specialists, and providing an appropriation.

IA SF2025

A bill for an act relating to statewide dementia care coordination, and making an appropriation.

IA HF288

A bill for an act relating to Alzheimer's and related dementias including establishing an advisory council and developing and implementing an Iowa Alzheimer's and related dementias state plan.

IA SF2306

A bill for an act relating to options for long-term care, and making appropriations.

IA SSB3146

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2354, SF 2420.)

IA SF2354

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3146; See SF 2420.)

IA HSB653

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2509, HF 2673.)

IA SF2420

A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 2354, SSB 3146.)

IA SSB3205

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 2437.)

IA SSB1213

A bill for an act relating to appropriations for veterans and health and human services and including other related provisions and appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive and other applicability date provisions.(See SF 561.)

Similar Bills

IA SF547

A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator, and providing an appropriation.(Formerly SSB 1170.)

IA SF2008

A bill for an act relating to dementia service specialists, and providing an appropriation.

IA HSB284

A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator.(See HF 893.)

IA HF893

A bill for an act relating to area agencies on aging, dementia service specialists, and a dementia services coordinator.(Formerly HSB 284.)

IN HB1422

Dementia care.

CA AB614

Area agency on aging: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: training and services.

NV AB337

Creates programs related to dementia. (BDR 38-456)

NV AB167

Makes various changes relating to dementia. (BDR 38-787)