AR HB2067

Establishes the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Task Force consisting of 13 members appointed by the Governor (9), President Pro Tempore of the Senate (2), and Speaker of the House (2) by September 1, 2017.

Defines palliative care as patient-centered medical care addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs through discussion of treatment goals, options including hospice care, and comprehensive pain and symptom management.

Requires the task force to submit a preliminary report by January 17, 2019, with recommendations for establishing palliative care initiatives and statutory changes, and a follow-up report by December 31, 2020, detailing implementation of recommendations.

Task force shall hold at least two regular meetings per calendar year with seven members constituting a quorum and members eligible for expense reimbursement; Department of Health and Department of Human Services shall provide staff support.

Task force expires December 31, 2019, unless extended by the General Assembly, and must submit quarterly reports to the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.