AR HB1686

Establishes a Palliative Care Program within the Department of Health to provide comprehensive information and education about palliative care to the public, healthcare professionals, and healthcare facilities.

Requires the Department of Health to publish palliative care resources on its website including continuing education opportunities, information about palliative care delivery settings, and consumer educational materials and referral information.

Creates a 12-member Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Task Force appointed by the Governor (8 members), President Pro Tempore of the Senate (2 members), and Speaker of the House (2 members), with members representing various organizations and palliative care expertise.

Task Force must hold at least two regular meetings per year, requires 7 members for a quorum, and must submit a preliminary report by January 17, 2017, with recommendations for palliative care initiatives and statutory changes.

Task Force expires December 31, 2018, unless extended by the General Assembly, and must submit a follow-up report by December 31, 2018, detailing implementation of preliminary report recommendations.