Panel advances SB329 to require dementia‑awareness training for emergency medical personnel

Summary

SB329 would require certain health boards to ensure training on interacting with older adults and people with cognitive impairment is included for EMTs and paramedics. Supporters said the change integrates training into existing curricula rather than creating standalone courses and would help first responders de‑escalate and better serve people

The Assembly Health and Human Services Committee heard Senate Bill 329, a measure narrowed in House negotiations to focus on emergency medical personnel, and advanced it in work session on May 28.

Sponsor Senator Edgar Flores and Ben Chaloner of the Alzheimer’s Association described the bill’s intent as training first responders to recognize and safely de‑escalate encounters with people who have cognitive impairment such as dementia. Chaloner emphasized the language adopted in negotiations: the bill does not create an entirely new, stand‑alone credential but requires boards that oversee emergency responders to incorporate dementia‑awareness and related de‑escalation material into existing training modules for EMTs, advanced EMTs and paramedics.

Maria Moore of AARP Nevada supported the bill, noting other states have adopted similar training. Committee members asked few substantive questions and the measure was advanced in work session.

Ending: Committee advanced the bill; sponsors said training would be integrated into current standards and curricula for emergency medical personnel.