Panel Will Help Address State’s Long-Term, Care, Support & Assistance Needs
Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Matthew W. Milam, Nelson T. Albano, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Herb Conaway, Jr., M.D., that would help New Jersey address the long-term needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease has been signed into law.
“Nearly all of us have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease either directly or indirectly through a love one who has suffered,” said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Without a comprehensive plan in place to address their needs, we are leaving the fate of our most vulnerable to chance.”
The new law (S-125/A-322) will establish a 15-member Alzheimer’s Disease Study Commission to study the current and future impact and incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among state residents while examining the state’s role in long-term care, family caregiver support, and assistance to individuals with early stage and early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
It was recently approved 76-0 by the Assembly and 38-0 by the Senate.
The commission will also be tasked with studying the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their family members and caregivers, assessing the availability and affordability of existing services, programs, facilities, and agencies to meet those needs, and making recommendations for improving, expanding, or changing services, programs, facilities, and agencies.
“Anyone who has ever known someone with Alzheimer’s disease knows that it is a very taxing illness, on both those suffering from it, as well as their family members,” said Albano (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “By providing planning, assistance and long-term support we can help families immeasurably.”
“Alzheimer’s disease is a harrowing illness that can take an extensive toll on families,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “So many other states have taken the initiative to create a comprehensive plan to address the needs of those suffering from it. New Jersey should not be the only one sitting idly by.”
“Hopefully, this commission will enhance our efforts to make sure that all available treatments, whether experimental or not, are accessible to everyone,” said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden), chairman of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. “Every patient suffering from Alzheimer’s disease should be afforded a chance to try and beat it.”
Under the law, the commission will be comprised of the commissioners of the departments of Health and Senior Services and Human Services, or their designees; two members of the Senate from opposing political parties, to be appointed by the Senate President; two members of the General Assembly from opposing political parties, to be appointed by the Speaker; and nine public members appointed by the Governor, as follows:
– Two members recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association, one representing the Greater New Jersey Chapter and one representing the Delaware Valley Chapter;
– Two health care professionals who are currently involved in direct services, one of whom shall be a representative of an agency that provides home care services to persons with dementia and one of whom shall be a representative of a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility that provides specialized services to persons with dementia;
– One representative from the clergy who has experience providing emotional and spiritual care and support for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families;
– Two individuals who bear or have borne responsibility in caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease;
– A health care professional who represents an assisted living facility; and
– One attorney who is currently licensed and practicing in New Jersey, has expertise in legal and financial planning and elder care issues, and has extensive community-based experience working with persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
Under the law, the commission will be required to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within two years of the appointment of a majority of the public members of the commission. The commission will expire upon submission of its final report.
Currently, 49 state legislatures have enacted at least one targeted law towards people with dementia. Many other states are prioritizing the study and tracking of the disease. Examples include: a commission on aging (includes the study of the disease) in Tennessee; an advisory council on Alzheimer’s disease in California; a state plan in Illinois; and a state plan task force in Missouri.