Creates reference list of businesses providing locator technology to assist in the location of lost individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and requires physicians to disclose such technology

BILL NUMBER:S3452

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the creation of a reference list of businesses that provide locator technology designed to assist in the expedited location of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or dementia who become lost or diso- riented, and requiring physicians to disclose the existence of such technology to persons afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and to maintain information regarding any technology utilized by such afflicted people

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide quick and easily accessible information to assist in the protection of patients afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or dementia; to provide a database of technology and tools that aid in locating a lost or disoriented person; to direct physicians that treat patients of Alzheimer's disease of dementia to provide such information to their families and caregivers, and to keep such information in their medical files which would be accessible by agencies including the State Police to assist in locating lost or diso- riented persons

Summary of specific provisions

The public health law is amended by adding two new sections 2010 and 2001. Section 2010 requires the devel- opment of a comprehensive list of technology or services for locating lost or disoriented patients, the maintenance and updating of this list, and the notification of physicians treating Alzheimer's or dementia patients. It also defines' locator technology. Section 2011 directs physicians treating Alzheimer's or dementia patients to provide this information to families and caregivers and to maintain such information in their medical files, which will be accessible by all agencies involved in locating the patient.

Justification

According to a 2012 CNN report, 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's. This legislation will not only protect these individuals, but also help the 15 million unpaid men and women who care for them. As Alzheimer's progresses, disorientation can occur, and once familiar surroundings are unrecognizable. As a result, people with Alzheimer's wander away from their homes or care centers and turn up far from where they started. Providing Alzheimer's patients and caregivers up-to-date information regarding the availability of locator technology, could prevent the frightening ordeal of a lost loved one.

Prior legislative history

This bill was previously introduced in the Assembly

Fiscal implications

None to the state

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, provided that the department of health is immediately authorized and directed to take such actions as are necessary to implement this act, including the

promulgation of rules in accordance with the state administrative proce- dure act, on or before its effective date.