Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2536.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 19)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions.

Proponents:

Jamie Gideon, State Government Relations Director with the Alzheimer's Association, shared that the dementia training curriculum is already written and can be implemented immediately at no cost. Considering the large need, and expected increase in numbers of Alzheimer's cases, this training for dementia care is necessary.  (Attachment 20) 

Nina Westvold, Private Citizen, shared her personal experience as the caretaker for her husband and how the difficulties of being a guardian could be greatly reduced with this kind of training.  (Attachment 21)

Kelly Sommers, BSN, RN, Private Citizen, shared that there is a great need for caretakers to have training in order to be better helpers to the person under their care, but also to professionals as they make decision about medical care. Quality of life is an important issue, which can be enhanced if caretakers are well trained.  (Attachment 22) 

 Rebecca Miller, Private Citizen, shared that even though she is not a court-appointed guardian, she has been a caregiver for a person with dementia. With information learned on a private Facebook group, she felt that she could provide adequate care, but the ability to have organized training would have been very helpful.  (Attachment 23)

Ruth Burress, Private Citizen, shared her personal experience of caring for her husband. She pointed out that family caregivers are often expected to educate themselves about dementia in order to provide appropriate care. It would be good for court-appointed guardians, who hold significant authority over another person's life, to have similar foundational knowledge which the support of this bill would provide.  (Attachment 24)

The Proponents stood for questions.

The Chairperson drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimonies:

Cindy Keim, Registered Nurse, Private Citizen  (Attachment 25)

Lorrie Beck, Community Educator, Alzheimer’s Association of Central & Western Kansas  (Attachment 26)

Laura Pederzani, Executive Director, Arcare Inc.  (Attachment 27)

Libby Hastings, Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, Kansas Advocates for Better Care  (Attachment 28)

Emily Donaldson, General Council, Arcare, Inc.  (Attachment 29)

Brett Richardson, Private Citizen  (Attachment 30)

David Herdman, Private Citizen  (Attachment 31)

The Chairperson drew attention to the Neutral Written Only testimonies:

Andrew Brown, Deputy Secretary of Programs, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services  (Attachment 32)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2536.

Chairperson Humphries adjourned the meeting.

Post meeting information was entered into the record:

Nancy Mayberry, Background Information about the Kansas Guardianship Program  (Attachment 33)

Nancy Mayberry, Basic Instructional Program for Guardians and Conservators  (Attachment 34)

Jamie Gideon, State Government Relations Director with the Alzheimer's Association, additional information  (Attachment 35)