§ 3085b - Commission on alzheimer's disease and related disorders - Vermont Statutes

§ 3085b. Commission on alzheimer's disease and related disorders

(a) The commission on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders is created.

(b) The commission shall be composed of 16 members: the commissioner of disabilities, aging, and independent living or a designee, one senator chosen by the committee on committees of the senate, one representative chosen by the speaker of the house, and 13 members appointed by the governor. The members appointed by the governor shall represent the following groups: physicians, social workers, nursing home managers, the clergy, adult day center providers, the business community, registered nurses, residential care home operators, family care providers, the home health agency, the legal profession, mental health service providers, and the Alzheimer's association. The members appointed by the governor shall represent, to the degree possible, the five regions of the state.

(c) Members appointed by the governor shall be appointed for terms of three years and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be appointed only for the unexpired portion of the term.

(d) Legislative members shall be entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in 2 V.S.A. § 406 for no more than six meetings per year; the remaining members shall be entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in 32 V.S.A. § 1010 for no more than six meetings per year. Payment to legislative members shall be from the appropriation to the legislature. Payment to the remaining members shall be from the appropriation to the department of disabilities, aging, and independent living.

(e) Annually, the commission shall elect its chair and other officers from among its membership and meet upon the call of the chair or a majority of its membership.

(f) The commission shall advise state agencies on matters of state policy relating to Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related disorders in Vermont for both the public and private sectors. The commission shall:

(1) Evaluate the adequacy of existing services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related disorders and their families, and conduct studies to identify gaps in these services. These studies may include access to mental health-related services and support for services to families of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

(2) Identify strategies and recommend resources to expand existing services.

(3) Review or participate in the development of laws, rules and other governmental initiatives which may affect individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related disorders, and their families. This may include participation in the development of rules and procedures related to Act No. 160 of the Acts of 1996, Medicare and Medicaid, nursing and residential care facilities, adult day centers, special care units, and all community-based services to elders.

(4) Provide advice regarding revisions, coordination of services, accountability and appropriations.

(5) Support the development of expanded community recognition, understanding and capacity to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related disorders. This may include development of new technologies to improve access to information for caregivers and practitioners who provide services throughout the state and identification of new models of service and activities related to expansion of community access to information, education and service.

(g) The department of disabilities, aging, and independent living shall provide the commission with administrative support.

(h) Annually, the commission shall prepare a report of its findings and activities during the preceding year. The commission shall file its report with the governor and the general assembly, and make the report available to the public on or before January 15. (Added 1999, No. 57, § 1, eff. June 1, 1999; amended 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)