Alzheimer’s bill signed into law
STATEHOUSE – House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1044, authored by State Representative Bill Friend (R-Macy) was signed into law today by Governor Mike Pence. HEA 1044 requires the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy to provide training regarding persons with Alzheimer's disease or related senile dementia and missing high-risk adults. This training will be added to the yearly, mandatory in-service training program. Officers currently go through training on autism, mental illness, addictive disorders, mental retardation and developmental disabilities. “Our men and women in uniform should have the training and expertise to deal with people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It’s really a matter of public safety,” said Rep. Friend. “There is a growing population of people affected by this disease, and it’s important to treat them with respect and care.” Rep. Friend decided to author HEA 1044 following an incident in his district where James Howard, from Peru, Ind., was tasered for resisting an officer. He suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association reported in 2012 that the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is projected to double by 2050, making the reality of this problem even more apparent. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia with more than 5 million Americans living with the disease. In 2010, more than 120,000 Hoosiers 65 and older were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to reach 130,000 by 2025. “This disease is becoming more widespread, and the intent of the legislation is to help law enforcement officers take proper action when interacting with people who have the disease,” said Rep. Friend. For more information regarding HEA 1044, please visit www.in.gov/legislative. -30-
|
