                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

FIREFIGHTER ALZHEIMER&#8217;S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA TRAINING (§ 9.1-203.2)

A. Each fire department as defined in &#xA7; 27-6.01 shall develop curricula for
Alzheimer&#8217;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&#8217;s disease and dementia, which shall include (i) techniques for
respectful and effective communication with individuals with Alzheimer&#8217;s
disease and dementia and their caregivers; (ii) techniques for addressing the
behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer&#8217;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&#8217;s disease and dementia to adult protective services; (iv)
protocols for contacting caregivers when an individual with Alzheimer&#8217;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&#8217;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&#8217;s disease and dementia
and returning them to their caregivers.

B. Any fire department may develop the mental health awareness training
curricula in conjunction with other fire departments or firefighter stakeholder
groups or may use any training program, developed by any entity that satisfies
the criteria set forth in subsection A.

C. Firefighters who receive mental health awareness training in accordance with
this section shall receive appropriate continuing education credits from the
Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Fire Services Board.

HISTORY: 2024, c. 698.