Oklahoma has taken a decisive step forward in the battle against Alzheimer's and dementia with the enactment of the Alzheimer’s Dementia and Other Forms of Dementia Special Care Disclosure Act, HB 2262. The new legislation, now law, mandates facilities advertising memory care services to transparently disclose the exact nature of care provided, an essential move aimed at safeguarding the interests of families and their loved ones afflicted with such conditions.
Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, was the primary author of the bill, recognizing the significant emotional toll on families caring for relatives with Alzheimer’s or dementia. "Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the most emotional and challenging journeys a family can face," Miller stated, according to Oklahoma House News. "I authored the original legislation in 2021 to bring greater transparency to memory care. This bill builds on that foundation, strengthening the process and offering families clarity, confidence and peace of mind. I’m proud to see this bill become law."
The bill also garnered support in the Senate, with Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, serving as its Senate author. "Families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia deserve transparency when choosing a memory care facility for their loved one," said Stanley. "With this legislation, families will have accessible information to compare services, staffing, and support available across facilities." She extended appreciation to everyone who helped get the bill across the finish line, as per Oklahoma House News.
Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, who co-authored the bill and presented it in House committees and on the House Floor, pointed out the necessity of accurate information for caregivers and families. "The last thing they need is to get misinformation in the decision process because the life of their loved one can literally hang in the balance if a bad placement is made," Blancett told Oklahoma House News. Greater disclosure requirements will now be imposed on referral agencies, caregivers, and the Oklahoma Department of Health to ensure families are informed in advance regarding which facilities offer specific memory care services.
Oklahoma House News cites data from the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter, highlighting the prevalence of Alzheimer's in the state with over 70,500 Oklahomans aged 65 and up with the disease and a 152% increase in Alzheimer's Deaths from 2000-2022. The gravity of these figures underpins the bill's urgency and potential impact. In addition, the bill obligates facilities to conspicuously post information directing individuals on how to report a referral agency or facility that fails to provide proper disclosure about memory care capabilities, directing such complaints to the Consumer Protection Unit of the Office of the Attorney General.
