FL S0438

Creates section 381.825 establishing a Department of Health palliative care consumer and professional information and education program to provide comprehensive information and education to the public, healthcare practitioners, and facilities.

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

Establishes an 11-member Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Task Force within the Department of Health (5 members appointed by Governor, 3 by Senate President, 3 by House Speaker) with members representing various palliative care expertise, the American Cancer Society, Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Department of Veterans' Affairs, and board-certified hospice and palliative medicine professionals.

Requires the task force to meet at least twice annually and submit a preliminary report by January 15, 2017, and a follow-up report by December 31, 2018, detailing recommendations for establishment, maintenance, and operation of palliative care initiatives and any recommended statutory changes.

Task force expires December 31, 2018; members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for travel and necessary expenses.