TN ADRD Advisory Council

About the ADRD Advisory Council 

The TN Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementia (ADRD) Advisory Council was established in April 2019 through HB 0037/SB 0028 (Pub. Ch. 364) of the Public Acts and is codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 71-2-117. It was administratively attached to the former TN Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD). Its primary purpose was to assess the current and future impact of ADRD on Tennessee residents, evaluate existing services and resources, and develop strategies to address these challenges.  

In April 2024, the General Assembly passed HB 2089/SB 2090 (Pub. Ch. 688), revising the statutory framework and administratively transferring the Council to the TN Department of Health (TDH) effective July 1, 2024. 

The Council consists of 11 to 17 members, including:

1. One (1) member from the TN General Assembly Health and Welfare Committee.
2. One (1) member from the TN House of Representatives 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 ADRD 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 TN Nurses Association.
13. The Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, or their designee.
14. The Commissioner of Health, or their designee.
15. Any other person with relevant experience in ADRD care.

Members 5 through 15 may be appointed by the Commissioner based on lists of qualified nominees provided by organizations engaged in the study of ADRD.

The purpose of the Council is to:

(1) Continually assess the current status of ADRD in this state and to assess the current and future impact of ADRD on residents of this state;
(2) Examine the existing industries, services, and resources addressing the needs of persons, families, and caregivers affected by ADRD;
(3) Develop a strategy to mobilize a state response to matters regarding ADRD; and
(4) Provide recommendations to the governor and to the general assembly on issues related to its work.

The Council is responsible for formulating and implementing 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.