Aging and disabled, Alzheimer’s bill passed

A bill seeking to improve access to existing services and support for Nebraskans who are aging or disabled, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s and related illnesses, passed May 21.

LB320, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz, establishes three demonstration projects for Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) to evaluate the feasibility of establishing such centers statewide.

The state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is required to award ADRC grants to area agencies on aging to participate in the demonstration project. Agencies will be chosen based on a proposal process and will be reimbursed for their participation.

Among other services, the demonstration project centers will provide:
• personal options counseling;
• mobility management;
• a home care provider registry; and
• assistance in accessing and applying for public benefits programs.

DHHS is required to contract for an evaluation of the project, and report annually to the Legislature through Dec. 1, 2018.

The bill also includes provisions of LB405, originally introduced by Hyannis Sen. Al Davis, which require the Aging Nebraskans Task Force to develop a state plan to address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related disorders.

The task force will deliver the plan to the governor and the Legislature by Dec. 15, 2016. The bill also extends the task force termination date to Jan. 1, 2017, to accommodate work on the state plan.

In developing a state plan, the task force will:
• determine existing services and resources in the state;
• develop recommendations to respond to escalating needs;
• examine quality of care measures for service delivery; and
• develop strategies to identify gaps in services.

The bill passed 42-3 and takes effect immediately.