AADAPT Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 10, 2026
Bottom line
The AADAPT Act expands the successful Project ECHO program to include training for dementia care, aiming to increase provider capacity and patient access to specialized services for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the Project ECHO Grant Program. Specifically, it clarifies that public or nonprofit private entities are eligible for these grants and explicitly adds 'dementia care' to the list of health issues for which the program can disseminate knowledge and build capacity among healthcare providers. This aims to improve access to specialized care for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by training more providers.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill leverages an established and effective model (Project ECHO) to address a critical and growing public health need: the lack of specialized care for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. They contend it will improve access to high-quality dementia care, especially in rural and underserved areas, by equipping more healthcare providers with the necessary knowledge and skills through tele-mentoring and virtual learning.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concern that by expanding the scope of Project ECHO to include dementia care without explicitly allocating new, dedicated funding, the bill could potentially dilute resources currently directed towards other vital health issues like palliative care or opioid use disorder. They might argue for specific appropriations to ensure the new focus does not detract from existing program priorities.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(1)
Clarification of Eligible Entities for Project ECHO Grants
This provision amends subsection (a)(1) of Section 330N of the Public Health Service Act. It clarifies that 'entities' eligible for Project ECHO grants specifically include 'a public or nonprofit private entity.' This ensures that a broader range of organizations, particularly those in the public and non-profit sectors, are explicitly recognized as eligible to apply for and receive funding under the program, potentially expanding the reach of Project ECHO initiatives.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that explicitly including public and nonprofit private entities removes any ambiguity regarding their eligibility, encouraging a wider array of organizations to participate in and expand the reach of Project ECHO programs. This ensures that the program can leverage diverse expertise and infrastructure to serve more communities.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision as it clarifies and potentially broadens eligibility without fundamentally altering the program's structure or purpose. Any concerns would likely be tied to the overall funding allocation rather than this specific clarification.
Tradeoffs
This provision aims to maximize participation by clarifying eligibility, which could lead to more competition for existing funds if no new appropriations are made. However, the primary tension is between ensuring broad access to grants and maintaining focus on the program's core mission.
Section 2(2)
Inclusion of Dementia Care in Project ECHO's Scope
This provision amends subsection (b) of Section 330N of the Public Health Service Act by inserting 'dementia care,' after 'palliative care.' This change explicitly adds dementia care as an area for which Project ECHO grants can be used to disseminate knowledge and build capacity among healthcare professionals. This means the program can now formally support training and education initiatives focused on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.