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Bill

Bill

A 5063

Requires DHS to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by John DiMaio and 6 co-sponsors

The bill establishes an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to promote early detection and inform about diag

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5063

Summary of Bill A 5063 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program within the Department of Human Services (DHS).
  • Aim to increase public understanding of Alzheimer's disease, promote early detection, and educate on available diagnostic and treatment options, including the benefits and risks of treatments.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Program Establishment

    • The Commissioner of Human Services, subject to available funds, must establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program.
    • Purpose: Promote public awareness and education about Alzheimer's disease and the value of early detection and potential treatments.

  • Funding and Resources

    • DHS may accept grants or in-kind contributions (monetary, services, or property) from the federal government, organizations, or medical schools to support the program.

  • Program Components

    1. Public Awareness Campaign
      • Develop a broad campaign addressing:
      • Nature, symptoms, and warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.
      • Lifestyle factors for coping (diet, physical activity).
      • Environmental safety and injury prevention.
      • Availability of local diagnostic and treatment services.
      • Cognitive aging and benefits of early detection and diagnosis.
    2. Educational Materials
      • Create materials for distribution via local boards of health, physicians, hospitals, and clinics.
    3. Educational Programs for Public Servants
      • Develop training for judicial staff, police, firefighters, and social services/EMS providers to recognize symptoms and understand how to respond to individuals with the disease in the line of duty.

  • Collaborative Development and Accessibility

    • DHS must work with the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
    • Information must be prepared for broad public access via the DHS website in English and Spanish, and presented in an understandable format.

  • Regulatory Authority

    • DHS may adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.

  • Effective Date

    • The act takes effect on the 180th day after enactment, with allowance for anticipatory administrative action to begin implementation ahead of the effective date.

Who is Affected

  • Primary Entity

    • New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), which will administer the program and oversee campaign development, materials, and training.

  • Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

    • Individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families/caregivers.
    • Public safety personnel (judicial staff, police, fire departments) and social services/EMS providers.
    • Healthcare providers and local health organizations that will disseminate educational materials.
    • General public in New Jersey, including English and Spanish-speaking communities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Reporting/Administration

    • DHS is responsible for establishing and administering the program, subject to available funds and regulatory guidelines.
    • The Commissioner may seek and utilize grants or donations to support activities.

  • Collaboration and Outreach

    • Formal collaboration with the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for content development and information dissemination.

  • Communication

    • Information will be published on the DHS website in English and Spanish, designed for broad public comprehension.

  • Effective Date

    • Enactment → 180 days until the program takes effect; anticipatory actions allowed prior to that date to assist readiness.

Notable Details

  • The bill emphasizes the economic and social burden of Alzheimer’s disease, including projected national costs and the lack of disease-modifying medicines, to justify enhanced public awareness and preparedness.
  • It explicitly recognizes the need for targeted education across health, social services, judicial, law enforcement, and emergency response sectors.

If you’d like, I can add a one-page briefing with bullet points for policymakers or create a quick comparison with similar programs in other states.

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

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