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Bill

HB 2149

Establishes a dementia services coordinator as a full-time position within the department of health and senior services

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Jamison and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri establishes a full-time dementia services coordinator within health and senior services to improve coordination and access to dementia-related support services statewide.

Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0
#healthandseniorservices #departmentof #healthcare
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Bill Summary · HB 2149

Legislative bill overview

HB 2149 creates a dedicated full-time dementia services coordinator position within Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services. This coordinator would oversee and improve dementia-related services and support across the state's health and aging services infrastructure.

Why is this important

Missouri's aging population is growing, and dementia affects thousands of residents and their families. A dedicated coordinator could improve service coordination, reduce fragmentation between agencies, and ensure dementia patients and caregivers have better access to information and resources. This addresses a gap where dementia services may currently fall between different departments without centralized oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget and ongoing costs: Creates a permanent full-time position with salary and benefits, requiring dedicated state funding with no specified budget amount or revenue source
  • Scope of authority unclear: The bill doesn't specify what powers the coordinator has to direct services, mandate programs, or influence other agencies' spending
  • Staffing sufficiency: One coordinator may be insufficient to address statewide dementia services across a large population, raising questions about realistic impact

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

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