MS HB294

Deletes the July 1, 2021 repealer on Section 41-29-137.1, making permanent the authority for hospice medical directors to prescribe controlled substances for terminal disease pain without an in-person face-to-face visit with the patient.

Authorizes the State Department of Health to issue up to two new pediatric palliative care hospice licenses during the period from the effective date through July 1, 2021.

Requires at least one of the two new pediatric palliative care hospice licenses to be issued to an applicant located within Mississippi's Second United States Congressional District as it existed on January 1, 2021.

Extends the moratorium on new hospice licenses from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2027, with exceptions for the five licenses authorized in 2017 and the two new pediatric palliative care licenses.

Limits the same applicant to receiving no more than one of the two new pediatric palliative care licenses, and requires applicants to demonstrate good cause for licensure and be in good standing with the department.