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HB 162

Department of Aging - Maryland Access Point - Dementia-Friendly Communities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Queen

HB 162 creates a state Access Point in Maryland's Department of Aging to coordinate dementia-friendly community programs and provide technical support to local jurisdictions.

Hearing 2/05 at 1:45 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 162

Legislative bill overview

HB 162 establishes a Maryland Access Point within the Department of Aging to coordinate and promote dementia-friendly community initiatives across the state. The bill aims to create a centralized resource hub that helps communities implement best practices for supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers through policy guidance, technical assistance, and information sharing.

Why is this important

Maryland's aging population is growing, with dementia cases expected to increase significantly in coming decades. Establishing a dedicated access point could improve quality of life for thousands of residents with dementia by ensuring communities have coordinated resources, trained personnel, and standardized approaches to dementia care—reducing fragmentation across county systems and potentially lowering costs through prevention and early intervention.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill's fiscal impact depends on whether it requires new state appropriations or redirects existing Department of Aging resources, which could affect other aging services
  • Implementation scope and standards: Questions remain about what "dementia-friendly" standards will be mandated versus voluntary, and whether communities have capacity to meet them
  • Coordination challenges: Ensuring effective collaboration between state initiatives, county aging departments, healthcare providers, and nonprofits without creating bureaucratic overlap

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

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