Virginia Law

A. Each emergency medical services agency shall develop curricula for Alzheimer's disease and dementia training for its personnel, which shall include training regarding the following: the identification of, communication with, and facilitation of the safe return of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, which shall include (i) techniques for respectful and effective communication with individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and their caregivers; (ii) techniques for addressing the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, including alternatives to physical restraint; (iii) protocols for identifying and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia to adult protective services; (iv) protocols for contacting caregivers when an individual with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is found wandering or during an emergency or crisis situation; (v) a reference list of local resources available for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia; and (vi) a reference list of local and national organizations that assist law-enforcement personnel with locating missing and wandering individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and returning them to their caregivers.

B. Any emergency medical services agency may develop the Alzheimer's disease and dementia training curricula in conjunction with other emergency medical services agencies or emergency medical services personnel stakeholder groups or may use any training program, developed by any entity that satisfies the criteria set forth in subsection A.

C. Emergency medical services personnel who receive Alzheimer's disease and dementia training in accordance with this section shall receive appropriate continuing education credits from the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

2024, c. 698.