Section 68-1-141 - Dementia education(a) By January 1, 2022, the department of health, in collaboration with the bureau of TennCare, shall, as a part of its existing public health programs and services, educate healthcare professionals and public health practitioners on: (1) The importance of risk reduction, early detection, and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia;(2) The use of validated cognitive assessment tools; and(3) Provision of effective care planning, including treatment options, support and services, long-term care options, advanced directives, and care coordination at all stages of dementia, including appropriate counseling and referral.(b) Using the State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia Roadmap from the centers for disease control and prevention's Healthy Brain Initiative, the department of health, in partnership with the department of disability and aging, members of the state Alzheimer's disease and related dementia advisory council, and the Tennessee Dementia Friendly Communities, shall in its existing relevant public health programs, including the Tennessee Dementia Friendly Communities initiative, continue to incorporate information on: (1) Increasing understanding and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including its links to chronic disease, such as vascular risk factors;(2) Early signs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias that should be discussed with healthcare professionals and the value of early detection and timely diagnosis; and(3) Increasing data and surveillance, encouraging additional data analysis, and encouraging accurate reporting on death certificates.(c) The department shall strive to provide uniform, consistent guidance in nonclinical terms, with an emphasis on cultural relevancy and health literacy, specifically targeting populations at higher risk for developing dementia in its public awareness and educational outreach programs.Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 154, eff. 7/1/2024.Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 1, eff. 4/13/2021.