Senate committee approves bill to authorize dementia training course for first responders

The Senate Public Safety Committee on an early morning session voted unanimously to advance House Bill 238, a bill that authorizes the creation of a training course to help first responders recognize and interact with people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s-related illnesses.

The bill’s sponsor told the committee the request came from the Alzheimer’s Association and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and said an appropriation to support the work has already been provided. "I bring to you House Bill 238. This is a bill that authorizes the creation of a course of training. Purpose of the training course is to help first responders know how to deal with the folks that they encounter that have dementia or Alzheimer's-related illnesses," the presenter said.

The committee chair praised the author's work and said the training could be produced without statute in the future by the regulatory bodies that oversee public safety training, including the POST Council, Firefighter Standards & Training and the Department of Public Health for EMS. The chair also recognized advocacy by Paul Anger of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Vice Chairman Robertson moved the committee to advance the bill; Senator Williams seconded the motion. The committee chair called the vote and the motion passed unanimously. The chair identified Senator Robertson as the committee carrier for the legislation.

Committee members and staff noted a desire to simplify future training efforts by using administrative channels rather than new law when no appropriation is required, but they did not block advancing this measure.

The committee discussed no amendments and set no implementation deadlines during the hearing. Because the bill was advanced from committee, it will next follow the Senate’s regular calendar and reading procedures.