WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, announced today that he has introduced the Alzheimer’s Law Enforcement Education Act with Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA). This legislation would establish a new training course for law enforcement officers responding to Alzheimer’s patients.
“I’m thrilled to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Barragán to ensure our nation’s law enforcement are better trained and equipped when dealing with delicate situations involving Alzheimer’s patients,” said Congressman Buchanan. “As someone who represents one of the oldest districts in the country, I believe it’s paramount that our nation’s law enforcement officers have the tools necessary to ensure folks with Alzheimer’s are treated with dignity and respect in emergency situations.”
“A majority of those living with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point. As someone who cares for a parent with Alzheimer’s, I understand how critical it is that law enforcement officers know how to best respond to situations involving someone living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia,” said Representative Barragán. “That is why I am proud to co-lead the Alzheimer's Law Enforcement Education Act with Rep. Buchanan. This bipartisan bill would provide law enforcement with the resources to encounter people with Alzheimer’s with care so they can get home and be reunited with their loved ones quickly and safely.”
“Without awareness and training on how to interact with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, situations involving law enforcement can often escalate. The Alzheimer’s Law Enforcement Education Act would prevent these misunderstandings in communities throughout the nation,” said Robert Egge, AIM president and Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer. “Thank you to Reps. Vern Buchanan and Nanette Barragán for introducing this bipartisan legislation and for your steadfast dedication to the Alzheimer’s community.”
“The Bradenton Police Department is committed to safeguarding our elderly citizens. Our newly formed Elder and Vulnerable Adult Fraud Unit investigates scams targeting seniors and spearheads community outreach initiatives aimed at preventing fraud victimization among older adults,” said Melanie Bevan, Chief of the Bradenton Police Department. “The Alzheimer’s Law Enforcement Education Act of 2024 would further reinforce our commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens' financial and physical well-being and we are proud to support the efforts of Congressman Buchanan.”
“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that affects millions of Americans and the families who care for them,” said Patrick Yoes, President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “In some cases, the disease and other forms of dementia causes behaviors or situations to which law enforcement officers will respond. They may not always realize that they are dealing with someone with Alzheimer's which could impact the encounter during a call for service. The FOP is pleased to have worked with Representatives Buchanan and Barragan to develop legislation that directs the COPS Office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a training program that will better prepare our officers in recognizing and interacting with those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It will also train officers to identify signs of possible elder abuse to better protect older Americans and those with dementia issues. We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors in the weeks ahead.”
The Alzheimer’s Law Enforcement Education Act has also been endorsed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), which represents the men and women responsible for protecting and serving over 100 million Americans.
Earlier this year, Buchanan was awarded the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Humanitarian Award from the Alzheimer’s Association. This prestigious award is given to policymakers dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s disease in Congress.
Buchanan has had 33 legislative measures signed into law since taking office with four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen ten legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far.
In addition to being the vice chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage.
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