TN ADRD Advisory Council

In May 2019, the Tennessee General Assembly voted to pass HB 0037/SB 0028 (Pub. Ch. 364) which established the Tennessee Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) Advisory Council. By April 2024, the General Assembly voted to pass HB 2089/SB 2090 (Pub. Ch. 688) administratively attaching to the Council to the Tennessee Department of Health beginning July 1, 2024.

The Council consists of 11 to 17 members, including:

1. One (1) member from the Senate's Health and Welfare Committee.
2. One (1) member from the House's Health Committee.
3. The Commissioner of Disability and Aging or their designee.
4. One (1) person appointed by the Governor.
5. One (1) licensed medical professional experienced in Alzheimer's care.
6. One (1) person diagnosed with ADRD.
7. A representative from Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc.
8. A representative from the Alzheimer's Association.
9. A representative from TennCare.
10. A representative from the Tennessee Health Care Association.
11. A representative from LeadingAge Tennessee.
12. A representative from the Tennessee Nurses Association.
13. A representative from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
14. The Commissioner of Health or their designee.
15. Any other person with relevant experience in ADRD care.

All appointments, except for the Senate and House representatives, are made by the Commissioner of Health.

The purpose of the Council is to:

(1)    Continually assess the current status of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia in this state and to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease and dementia on residents of this state;

(2)    Examine the existing industries, services, and resources addressing the needs of persons, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia;

(3)    Develop a strategy to mobilize a state response to matters regarding Alzheimer's disease and related dementia; and

(4)    Provide recommendations to the governor and to the general assembly on issues related to its work.

The Council is responsible for formulating a comprehensive three (3)-year TN ADRD State Plan, which serves as a strategic framework for a cohesive and efficient state response to the challenges presented by ADRD. The Plan is guided by five (5) overarching goals, which include:

Goal 1: Educate and empower Tennessee to be dementia aware.

Goal 2: Support and empower persons with dementia and their caregivers.

Goal 3: Ensure an adequately prepared workforce.

Goal 4: Research, monitor, and evaluate.

Goal 5: Develop policies and mobilize partnerships.