In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Council” means the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Council. “Director” means the Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health established under Subtitle 32A of this title.

There is a Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Council.

The Council consists of the following members: One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee; The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary’s designee; The Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, or the Executive Director’s designee; The President of the Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter, or the President’s designee; and The following members, appointed by the Governor: Seven health care professionals with relevant professional experience; Three human service professionals with relevant professional experience; One elder law attorney with relevant professional experience; Two research professionals with relevant professional experience; Two family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder; and At the recommendation of the Council, any other member necessary to fulfill the duties of the Council. To the extent practicable, the members appointed to the Council shall reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State.

The members of the Council shall select the chair of the Council. A member of the Council: May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The term of an appointed member of the Council is 3 years. The terms of the appointed members of the Council are staggered as required by the terms provided for the appointed members of the Council on October 1, 2022. At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

The Dementia Services and Brain Health Program, with assistance from the Department of Aging, shall provide staff support for the Council. The Director may request staffing assistance from public health entities with an interest in the duties of the Council.

The Council shall: Update the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and advocate for the State Plan; Examine the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers; and Identify methods through which the State can most effectively and efficiently assist in meeting those needs; Examine the readiness and capacity of health care providers to deliver care to individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and Identify methods through which the State can assist health care providers in delivering care to individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the most effective and efficient manner; Advise the Governor and the General Assembly on policy, funding, regulatory, and other issues related to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers; and Develop and promote strategies to encourage brain health and reduce cognitive decline.

On or before September 1, 2022, and on or before September 1 every 5 years thereafter, the Council shall issue and publish an update to the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.