Missouri House Bill HB2071

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Establishes the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health and senior services

Impact

If passed, HB2071 would lead to the formal establishment of a full-time Dementia Services Coordinator responsible for evaluating and coordinating dementia services statewide. This position would work on identifying service duplications, applying for grants to expand service provisions, and improving public and professional awareness of dementia-related resources. This initiative responds to a pressing public health issue as the population of senior citizens living with dementia in Missouri continues to rise, necessitating dedicated resources and coordinated responses.

Summary

House Bill 2071 aims to enhance the coordination and delivery of dementia-related services in Missouri by establishing the position of a Dementia Services Coordinator within the Department of Health and Senior Services. This new role is intended to facilitate comprehensive evaluations of existing dementia services, enhance public-health outcomes, and streamline service delivery for individuals affected by dementia and their caregivers. The bill emphasizes the need for improved information resources and training across state agencies to better address the growing challenges associated with dementia care.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB2071 may arise from the allocation of funds and resources to support this new position, as well as the implications for existing health service structures. Some stakeholders may question the effectiveness and efficiency of adding yet another layer of bureaucracy, arguing about the actual benefits of focusing specifically on dementia coordination instead of broader health service improvements. Conversely, advocates for the bill highlight the potential for significant improvements in the quality of care for those affected by dementia, stressing the importance of specialized knowledge and coordination in a field that is often fragmented and difficult to navigate.