7002 Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (GARD) State Plan | ADMINISTRATION-5600-MANUAL
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Georgia Division of Aging Services |
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Chapter: |
7000 Dementia Programs |
Effective Date: |
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Section Title: |
Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (GARD) State Plan |
Reviewed or Updated in: |
2019-01 |
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Section Number: |
7002 |
Previous Update: |
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Summary Statement
The Division of Aging Services shall maintain the Georgia Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias (GARD) State Plan.
Basic Considerations
The Georgia Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias (GARD) State Plan was signed by Governor Deal in 2014. The state plan creates a unique blueprint that addresses the growing challenges of dementia in Georgia. During the development of the GARD State Plan, work groups formed to collaborate on addressing the goals within the State Plan.
In 2018, Governor Deal signed legislation to establish an Advisory Council for GARD, which also includes a mandate for the GARD State Plan Coordinator position within the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services.
The GARD State Plan serves multiple functions, including:
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Analyzing state demographics, prevalent statistics and existing resources to gauge the state’s capacity to meet growing needs
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Present a roadmap for creating a more dementia-capable Georgia.
The legislation also provided for a GARD State Plan Coordinator to support the council by:
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Assisting the council with council related activities
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Coordinating the advisory council meetings
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Coordinating and serving as a liaison between the work groups and the advisory council
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Ensure the progress report is published as required by law
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Other associated duties assigned by the Department.
Advisory Council
The GARD Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor, General Assembly and state agencies on matters relating to the GARD State Plan.
Composition
Council members shall consist of the following:
The following individuals or their designees:
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Commissioner of the Department of Human Services
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The Director of the Division of Aging Services
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The President of the Georgia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
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Commissioner of the Department of Community Health
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Commissioner of the Department of Public Health
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Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
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Chairperson of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee
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Chairperson of the House Committee on Health and Human Services
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Chairperson of the House Committee on Human Relations and Aging
Additional members include:
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A representative of the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
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A representative of the Georgia Council on Aging
The Governor shall appoint one member from each of these six specific fields:
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A provider of residential, healthcare or personal care services to those living with dementia
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A social gerontologist or clinical researcher in an education or clinical setting with expertise in dementia
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An advocate with a not-for-profit or state agency whose role is to improve services for older adults or those living with dementia
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A medical professional with an active practice specializing in geriatrics, neurology, or other field closely related to dementia
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A caregiver, current or past, for a family member with dementia who as experience navigating healthcare service options
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A person who has been diagnosed with dementia
The council shall annually elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its membership.
Duties
The Advisory Council shall review and make recommendations regarding the state plan including:
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Selecting current priorities for state plan work groups
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Examining current laws, rules and regulations, and policies of state agencies that interact with services for individuals with dementia and make recommendations to improve the navigation of and provision of care services for those with dementia and their caregivers
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Proposing legislative or administrative changes to policies and programs needed for furtherance of the state plan
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Examining state and federal funding into the areas of the state plan and reviewing how to work inter-disciplinarily to ensure the most efficient and effective use of available resources
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Locating and assisting departments or partner agencies in applying for new funding sources and new opportunities in furtherance of the goals for the state plan
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Amending the state plan at least every three years and submitting the amended state plan to the governor for authorization.
The Advisory Council shall create and vote on bylaws and policies as needed.
Council members shall serve in one or more of the GARD State Plan workgroups as described in the goals of the state plan.
Meetings
The Advisory Council shall meet as follows:
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At least quarterly
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At such additional times as it deems necessary to perform its duties.
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On call of the Chairperson, vice-chair person, DHS Commissioner, or the Governor
All meetings shall contain updates from each work group and presentations on any developed proposals for furtherance of state plan goals.
At or before the summer quarterly meeting, the advisory council shall take a formal vote on any proposals or recommendations under consideration.
Reports
Beginning January 1, 2019 and every three years thereafter the Advisory Council shall submit to the Governor for approval and make available to the General Assembly a report on the work of the council to include:
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A progress report toward implementation of the state plan
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Recommendations for amendments to the state plan
Amendments to the State Plan may be submitted for approval to the Governor at the same time as the progress report.