North Dakota Senate Bill SB2140

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25
• Report Pass: 1/14/25
• Engrossed: 1/16/25
• Refer: 2/13/25
• Report Pass: 3/17/25
• Enrolled: 3/24/25
• Passed: 3/26/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 50-06-33 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the dementia care services program.

Summary

SB 2140 amends North Dakota Century Code section 50-06-33 to update and expand the state’s dementia care services program. The bill keeps the Department of Health and Human Services’ obligation to contract with a private provider for a statewide program serving each regional human service center area, but revises the statutory language to better reflect current terminology and service needs. It defines the target population more broadly to include individuals with symptoms aligned with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, along with their caregivers. The bill specifies the core services the program must provide, including identifying available regional services, informing medical professionals, law enforcement, first responders, public health officials, and the public about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, early detection and treatment, diagnosis, treatments, research opportunities, and available supports. It also requires assessment of needs, consultation services, referral assistance, and on-demand training for direct care providers to help them manage and care for affected individuals and their caregivers.

Impact

The bill amends an existing section of state law governing dementia care services, updating both the statutory definition and the list of required program activities. Its practical effect is to broaden the program’s focus from a narrower definition of dementia to include mild cognitive impairment and caregiver support, while reinforcing statewide outreach, training, consultation, and referral functions. The law continues to direct the department to use a private provider to deliver services across the state through regional human service center areas.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 93-0, indicating unanimous support in both chambers among those voting. The absence of recorded committee opposition or discussion suggests the measure was viewed as a routine but useful update to an existing public health and caregiver support program.

Contention

No notable points of contention are reflected in the available record. The bill’s changes appear technical and programmatic rather than ideological, focusing on terminology, service expansion, and improved coordination for people with dementia, those with mild cognitive impairment, and their caregivers. Because there were no recorded dissenting votes or committee transcripts, there is no evidence of organized opposition or disputed policy tradeoffs in the materials provided.