Governor signs Porter dementia care specialist program bill into law

After clearing both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly, House Enrolled Act 1422 has been signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. Authored by state Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), the law will establish a dementia care specialist program within each Area Agency on Aging in Indiana to treat Alzheimer's and dementia in its earliest forms. Affected individuals with the disease will be connected to appropriate health care providers and support services. 

“About 110,000 Hoosiers live with Alzheimer's, and many more family members help care for their loved one living with Alzheimer's,” Porter said. “My family has been impacted by the pain and adversity of Alzheimer's, and I am proud to have successfully advanced a bill that will improve outcomes for many Hoosiers affected by this disease.

“Research on the disease shows that early intervention is the best way to delay its onset and prolong quality of life for affected individuals. With the passage of House Enrolled Act 1422, my hope is that Hoosiers across the state get help early in the progression of the disease through their local Area Agency on Aging. To impacted individuals and loved ones, please know that you are not alone and we are working hard to provide you with the resources and support you need.

“Finally, thank you to all of my legislative colleagues and community advocates who helped get this critical law across the finish line.”

HEA 1422 will go into effect on July 1 of this year.