10/16/2025

House Bill 474 Proposes Dementia Care Training Requirement for Nurse Aides

Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 474, known as the Ohio Dementia Care Training Act, to establish mandatory dementia education for nurse aides. The legislation would direct the Ohio Department of Health to develop and oversee a standardized curriculum on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

In addition to training requirements, HB 474 outlines dementia-specific compliance standards for nursing homes and residential care facilities. The bill authorizes the Director of Health to impose fines, require a plan of correction, or revoke a license if a facility fails to meet the training mandate.

The proposed coursework would focus on recognizing symptoms, communicating effectively, managing behavioral changes, and applying person-centered care practices. 

LeadingAge Ohio is evaluating the bill’s impact on providers, who already provide dementia training to direct care staff but who see the steep fines as an unnecessary overreach. Feedback on the bill may be sent to Eli Faes, Director of Public Policy at efaes@leadingageohio.org.