HJR500 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Alzheimer's awareness training, the importance of, recognized

Summary

HJR500 recognizes the importance of Alzheimer's and related dementia awareness training and encourages its inclusion in the basic and ongoing training of Alabama's emergency responders.

What This Bill Does

The resolution acknowledges the impact of Alzheimer's disease and the need for responders to recognize signs and respond appropriately. It notes that EMS providers, law enforcement, and firefighters interact with people who have dementia and that awareness training can improve safety and interactions. It commends the agencies that set training standards for these groups and encourages making dementia awareness part of basic academy training, as well as available for in-service and continuing education.

Who It Affects

• Emergency medical service providers in Alabama, who would receive dementia awareness training to recognize signs and respond more effectively.
• Law enforcement officers, who would gain strategies for approaching and communicating with people with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
• Firefighters, who would gain awareness and response options for encounters with individuals with dementia.
• APOSTC, ADPH-OEMS, and AFCPSC, which would develop or incorporate the training into their curricula and standards.

Key Provisions

• Recognizes the importance and value of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia awareness training.
• Commends the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC), the Alabama Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (ADPH-OEMS), and the Alabama Fire College/Personnel Standards Commission (AFCPSC) for supporting this training.
• States that Alzheimer's/dementia awareness training may be included as an element of the basic academy certification training for newly certified EMS providers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters.
• Allows the training to be made available for in-service training or as part of annual continuing education requirements.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative