HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2455

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO DEMENTIA TRAINING.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that as part of addressing the present and continuing "silver tsunami" in Hawaii, first responders should be adequately trained to identify and interact appropriately with individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  Because individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias may not respond in a manner typically anticipated by first responders, providing dementia training designed to help identify, interact with, and intervene in cases of suspected abuse or neglect of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will enable these employees to better carry out their duties and responsibilities.

     The purpose of this Act is to develop and provide dementia training to first responders.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§321-     First responders; dementia training.  (a)  The employers of first responders shall develop and provide dementia training for first responders.  The training required under this section shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Recognizing the key signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias;

     (2)  Strategies for assessing cognition;

     (3)  Best practices for interacting with persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; and

     (4)  Strategies to best identify and intervene in situations where persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias may be at particular risk of abuse or neglect.

     (b)  The department of health may set the standards and frequency for the dementia training and may coordinate as necessary with all public and private entities and agencies responsible for services provided by first responders to provide the training required under this section.

     (c)  The employers of first responders may utilize existing educational and training resources available in the public and private sectors when developing the training required under this section.

     (d)  As used in this section, "first responders" includes firefighters, emergency medical technicians, mobile intensive care technicians, emergency management workers, police officers, and state law enforcement officers."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2059.

 

 

Report Title:

Dementia Training; Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias; First Responders

 

Description:

Requires the employers of first responders to develop and provide dementia training to first responders.  Effective 12/31/2059.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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