IN SB0272

Establishes the palliative care and quality of life advisory council effective July 1, 2016, to be appointed by the state health commissioner.

Defines palliative care as patient-centered and family-focused medical care that optimizes quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, facilitating patient autonomy, managing pain and symptoms, and discussing treatment goals including hospice care when appropriate.

Requires advisory council membership to include one representative each from interdisciplinary medical palliative care, nursing, social work, pharmacy, spiritual/religious expertise, and patient/family caregiver advocacy, plus two or more physicians or registered nurses specializing in hospice and palliative care medicine, with members serving three-year terms without compensation.

Directs the advisory council to educate and advocate for quality palliative care, develop state initiatives for establishing and evaluating palliative care in Indiana, make policy recommendations to improve palliative care, and submit annual reports to the general assembly by January 1 of each year.

Chapter expires June 30, 2019.