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HB 5352

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 6 co-sponsors

Creates a full-time RI Department of Health dementia services coordinator to coordinate Alzheimer's/dementia planning, data, training, and services (funding pending).

02/25/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 5352

Summary — HB 5352: Rhode Island Program to Address Alzheimer’s Disease

Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study (02/25/2025)
Introduced: 02/07/2025 (Filed 03/14/2025) — Referred to House Health & Human Services

Purpose

HB 5352 would create a dedicated, full‑time dementia services coordinator position within the Rhode Island Department of Health to centralize and improve the state's response to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The role is intended to enhance coordination, planning, data analysis, training, and service delivery for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Key provisions

  • Adds new sections to R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 23-1.7 (Rhode Island Program to Address Alzheimer’s Disease).
  • Establishes a single, full‑time dementia services coordinator position in the classified service of state government.
  • Enumerates duties for the coordinator, including to:
    • Coordinate the department’s approach to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (public awareness, prevention, early detection).
    • Oversee implementation and updating of the state Alzheimer’s and related disorder plan.
    • Assess and analyze state dementia-related data.
    • Evaluate state-funded dementia services.
    • Identify/support dementia‑specific training programs.
    • Build and maintain relationships with agencies, providers, and organizations to meet needs and avoid duplicate efforts.
    • Recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services provided by public and private entities (listed twice in the bill text).
    • Identify grant opportunities to expand services for people living with dementia.
    • Perform other department‑determined duties relevant to supporting individuals with dementia and caregivers.
  • Requires coordination with the existing Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (§ 23-1.7-2).
  • Effective date: upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • Department of Health: responsible for creating, hiring, supervising and integrating the coordinator.
  • Residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their caregivers: intended beneficiaries via improved coordination, services, training, and outreach.
  • State agencies, health providers, community organizations and advocacy groups involved in dementia care and services.
  • State budget/HR: creation of a classified full‑time position implies personnel costs; the bill does not specify funding or appropriation.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced 02/07/2025; referred to House Health & Human Services.
  • Hearing scheduled 02/21/2025 with consideration 02/25/2025.
  • Committee on 02/25/2025 recommended the measure be held for further study (status indicates not advanced out of committee).
  • For enactment the bill would need committee approval, passage by both chambers, and the governor’s signature. Implementation (hiring, funding) would depend on subsequent appropriation and departmental action.

Observations

  • The bill creates an administrative position and defines broad coordination and program functions but does not include a funding appropriation or specific implementation timeline beyond “upon passage.”
  • The bill text repeats one duty (recommend strategies to improve coordination) — likely a drafting duplication.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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