HB 995 Summary

• Creates the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council within the Department of Health, consisting of 9 members appointed by the State Surgeon General, including palliative care professionals, patient advocates, and at least one American Cancer Society designee

• Establishes the Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program within the Department of Health to provide comprehensive palliative care information and education to the public, health care practitioners, and facilities

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

• Mandates health care practitioners regulated under chapters 458, 459, or 464 provide patients with serious illness information about palliative care upon request and facilitate access to such care

• Requires health care facilities regulated under chapters 395, 400, or 429 to comply with palliative care measures ordered by health care practitioners