§16-5R-9. Establishment of a Dementia Services Director position.

The Department of Health shall establish a Dementia Services Director as a full-time, permanent position.

In collaboration with relevant stakeholders and state agencies, the Dementia Services Director shall:

(1) Coordinate implementation of the State Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia Plan;

(2) Evaluate the coordination of dementia services within this state;

(3) Evaluate all applicable state government services and make recommendations to increase efficiency and improve the quality of care in residential and home and community-based settings;

(4) Identify:

(A) Any duplicated services; and

(B) Grant opportunities to expand the scope of services for persons living with dementia and their caregivers and apply for the grant opportunities;

(5) Evaluate information and resources affecting West Virginians living with dementia and their caregivers, including:

(A) Support the provision of dementia-specific staff training across all relevant state agencies; and

(B) Recommend strategies to improve access to and coordination of dementia-related services and resources provided by public and private entities;

(6) Complete other duties relevant to supporting policy development and implementation to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by dementia and their caregivers;

(7) Promote public and professional awareness and education of dementia and access to needed services and programs;

(8) Collect and monitor dementia-related data to coordinate ways to improve public outcomes and service delivery; and

(9) Compile an annual report that is available on the Department's publicly accessible website outlining implantation status of the state plan, funding through grant applications, and office deliverables.