In 2012, the Florida legislature passed HB 473, establishing the Purple Ribbon Task Force (PRTF) within the Department of Elder Affairs, consisting of 18 culturally diverse individuals appointed by the governor, the president of the Florida Senate, and the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. The legislation required the PRTF to submit a report of its findings and date-specific recommendations in the form of an Alzheimer’s disease state plan. The Task Force published the Final Report and Recommendations, State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Forms of Dementia (ADRD) in August 2013. Although the legislation terminates the task force with the submission of the state plan, the findings and recommendations provide a catalyst to mobilize a state response to this public health crisis and a guide to modernize state policies related to people living with dementia. In 2019, House Bill 449 (Chapter Law 2019-147), Section 430.501 F.S., was enacted, requiring an updated State Alzheimer’s Plan every three years with a separate annual report required. The bill also updated the membership of the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee, which supports the State Plan development. An updated Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan was published in November 2020.

Secure Access to Services from the Alzheimer’s Association Brain Bus

The Brain Bus is a mobile outreach initiative that prioritizes diverse and underserved populations throughout Florida. This program provides information on healthy living for the brain and body, early detection and diagnosis, caregiver resources and care planning, as well as emergency preparedness. To continue serving all 67 Florida counties and the growing number of Floridians living with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging lawmakers to allocate $600,000 to continue funding the Brain Bus.

Ensure Dementia Training for Public and Professional Guardians 

Dementia can significantly affect a person’s ability to make decisions, and in the absence of other advanced directives, people living with dementia may need the assistance of a guardian or conservator. Guardians are supervised by the courts to manage the day-to-day lives of individuals. Training is imperative to equip guardians to protect and serve vulnerable individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is advocating for guardians to receive one hour of dementia training in the initial 40-hour training orientation.