Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB284

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

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

Impact

Furthermore, HSB284 also calls for the creation of a dementia services coordinator position within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This role is crucial for the statewide coordination of dementia services, ensuring that programs related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are effectively implemented and evaluated. The coordinator will also oversee the training of area agency staff and the development of dementia-capable communities, thereby improving the overall service landscape for individuals with dementia. This bill is a significant step toward addressing the increasing challenges posed by dementia in society.

Summary

House Study Bill 284 (HSB284) introduces significant provisions aimed at enhancing support for individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. The bill mandates that every area agency on aging establish a dementia service specialist position. This specialist will play a critical role in increasing awareness, conducting community outreach, and facilitating access to support services. Their duties include providing referrals to care groups, conducting cognitive screenings, and promoting dementia-friendly community initiatives. These measures aim to foster a supportive environment for those affected by dementia in Iowa.

Contention

Though overall support for HSB284 has been noted, there may be areas of contention related to funding and the effective implementation of these roles. Establishing new positions within existing agencies may require reassessment of current budgets and could face scrutiny regarding the allocation of funds. Discussion around how these roles will be filled, maintained, and effectively utilized could impact the bill's future and operational success. Stakeholders in healthcare and community support sectors may also have varying opinions on the adequacy of resources and training required to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

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 SSB1170

Related 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.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2008

A bill for an act relating to dementia service specialists, and providing 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 SF2025

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

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 HF2509

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 HSB 653; See HF 2673.)

IA HF2673

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 HF 2509, HSB 653.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

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 SF2306

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

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.)

Similar Bills

IA SSB1170

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.)

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 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)