10-2-901. Decennial veterans' long-term care needs study. (1) On receipt of the most recent federal census data, the Montana veterans' affairs division, in consultation with the department of public health and human services, shall perform an analysis of the long-term care needs of veterans in the state, known as the decennial veterans' long-term care needs study.

(2) The study must determine the demographics of the Montana veteran population, including the number and age of veterans in each county and the type of long-term care needs of the population. The study must also include evaluation of the need for nursing home, domiciliary, and Alzheimer's disease support services, as well as any other care needs identified by the Montana veterans' affairs division and by stakeholders.

(3) The study must include a personal survey of the Montana veteran population, including online and paper options and focus groups.

(4) This study must be conducted in collaboration with stakeholders, including but not limited to veterans' outreach organizations, legislators, caregivers, and local groups that work directly with the Montana veteran population. The Montana veterans' affairs division may form an advisory committee comprised of stakeholders to assist with the survey.

(5) The study must evaluate existing veterans' home services and the configuration of those services with respect to the needs identified.

(6) The study must include an analysis of the need for additional state veterans' cemeteries, including their placement within the state.

(7) The Montana veterans' affairs division shall prepare an outreach and marketing plan prior to the start of the study.