H.R. 3747: Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act

This bill, known as the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act (AADAPT Act), aims to enhance training and resources for healthcare professionals dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Here are the key components of the bill:

1. Reauthorization of Project ECHO Grant Program

The bill proposes to reauthorize the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Grant Program, which focuses on improving healthcare access and outcomes in underserved areas. It would establish grants specifically aimed at:

• Disseminating knowledge regarding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Building the capacity of healthcare professionals to better manage these conditions.

2. Eligible Entities for Grants

The bill defines eligible entities that can apply for the grants as:

• Entities that provide healthcare services in various underserved areas, such as rural or frontier regions.
• Public or nonprofit organizations capable of leading training models for dementia care.

3. Grant Utilization

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would award grants to eligible organizations to:

• Evaluate and expand technology-enabled collaborative learning and training models for healthcare professionals.
• Improve early diagnosis and quality care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

4. Definition of Eligible Healthcare Professionals

The bill specifies that eligible healthcare professionals are those who:

• Provide primary care services in underserved areas.
• Are licensed or certified according to relevant laws.

5. Applications and Reporting

Entities looking to receive grants must submit applications that include plans for assessing the impact of the training initiatives on patient outcomes. They must also ensure that grant funds complement, rather than replace, other funding sources.

Entities awarded grants must report their findings to the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services, and the Secretary will produce an updated report on the program's progress within four years of the bill's enactment.

6. Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriations of:

• $10 million per fiscal year for general grants from 2022 through 2032.
• $1 million per fiscal year for grants specifically addressing Alzheimer's care from 2027 through 2032.

7. Impact on Healthcare Providers

The aim of the bill is to enhance the ability of healthcare providers to diagnose and care for individuals living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, thereby improving overall healthcare delivery in affected communities.

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