AADAPT Act

This bill renews a federal program called Project ECHO and adds new grants to help health providers learn better ways to diagnose and care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It supports technology-based training so local clinics—especially in rural, underserved, and Native communities—can build skills and share expert knowledge. The federal health department must award at least one of these dementia-focused grants within one year after the bill becomes law.

To receive funding, groups must apply with a plan to measure results for patients and providers, and they must use this money to add to, not replace, other funds. Funded groups and the government must report on progress, with a public update within four years. The bill allows up to $10 million per year for the broader program (2022–2032) and up to $1 million per year just for the dementia grants (2027–2032).

• Who is affected: Primary care providers serving rural, frontier, and other underserved areas; Native communities; and public or nonprofit groups able to lead tech-based training efforts .
• What changes: New grants expand Project ECHO to focus on dementia care, aiming to keep providers in their jobs and to improve early, accurate diagnosis and quality care.
• When: At least one grant within 1 year after the law takes effect; progress reports with a public update within 4 years; funding windows run 2022–2032 (general program) and 2027–2032 (dementia grants) .