House Approves Plummer Bill Requiring Police, First Responder Training on Dementia

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) today announced the Ohio House has approved House Bill 23, his bipartisan legislation that requires police officers and emergency medical service personnel to undergo training on identifying and interacting with individuals with dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association of Ohio, about 220,000 Ohioans live with Alzheimer’s or other dementias – a figure that’s expected to grow 20 percent by 2030 as the population ages. 

In addition, 50 percent of individuals with dementia live at home without family or a caregiver, and 60 percent are prone to wandering.

“This bill helps those with dementia to get the proper treatment and resources they need and ensures they are able to get home safely,” said Plummer.

Plummer also noted the legislation contains no additional costs to local governments. 

Under the bill, the Attorney General and State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services is required to adopt rules governing dementia training for peace officers and emergency medical service personnel. The initial training must include at least two hours of instruction in dementia-related topics and continuing professional training must include one hour of instruction in those topics.

Last year, Plummer sponsored the same legislation as House Bill 441, which passed the House unanimously.

H.B. 23 is supported by the Ohio JFS Director’s Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and Ohio Association of Areas of Aging. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.