Additionally, the leglislation requires that physicians, on newly diagnosing an individual with Alzheimer’s disease and with individual’s consent, report that diagnosis the individual’s family mbmer and/or legal representative.  The physician is also required to provide the individual, family and/or legal representative with information on Alzheimer’s’ disease and it’s treatment and services and supports for individuals living with Alzheimer’s dementia.

A critical tenant of this legislation is a requirement for all  Massachusetts hospitals to develop and implement a hospital operational plan for the acute care of patients with Alzheimers and related dementia by October 2021.  Elements of this plan may include recognition of dementia and/or delirium in the emergency department or inpatient units, including dementia and/delirium in the treatment of the patient while hospitalized, creating a dementia friendly environment and ensuring including of dementia and/or delirium in care transitions including discharge.

MGH will also coordinate the health care and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, ensuring the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations who have a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease or are less likely to receive care in clinical, research and service efforts.

Other areas in which MGH will lead this effort are:

• Decreasing health disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
• Coordinating with federal agencies and programs to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer’s disease
• Providing information and coordination of Alzheimer’s disease research and services across all state agencies
• Implementing a strategy to increase the diagnostic rate for Alzheimer’s disease

Read the full Act here:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2018/Chapter220.