Illinois Healthcare Professionals Must Learn About Alzheimer's

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation mandating that licensed healthcare professionals who treat patients aged 26 years and older must take at least an 60-minute-long course on diagnosing, treating and caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Medical doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, optometrists, physical therapists, physician assistants, clinical social workers, podiatrists, respiratory therapists and speech language pathologists are among those affected by this policy. The ordinance goes into effect in 2023 for all new licensees or registration renewals. Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton said the bill "makes Illinois the first state in the nation to require Alzheimer's diagnosis training for healthcare professionals." State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D) also endorsed the mandate, saying it "will better enable healthcare professionals to identify and recommend resources for patients showing signs of dementia."

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