Health - Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and Provider Resource Toolkit

SB 555 establishes the Dementia Services and Brain Health Program within the Maryland Department of Health to lead state public health efforts for brain health and dementia care. The bill shifts responsibilities from a "Director" position to this new Program, requiring it to staff the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Council, oversee implementation of the State Plan on dementia, and develop a clinical toolkit for healthcare providers. The toolkit will provide evidence-based guidance to help providers deliver person-centered dementia care across medical settings. This bill directly affects Maryland residents living with dementia or at risk, healthcare providers who will use the toolkit, and the Council’s operations.