AB 242

This bill establishes a Palliative Care Council within the Department of Health

Services. Under the bill, DHS is required to establish a statewide palliative care

consumer and professional information and education program and must make

available on its Internet site information and resources regarding palliative care.

The bill requires the council to consult with and advise DHS on matters related to

the establishment, maintenance, operation, and outcome evaluation of the program

established by DHS. The council must also consult with and advise DHS regarding

1) the impact palliative care has on families and the experiences of families that have

used or had a family member use palliative care services; 2) establishing a system

for identifying patients or residents who could benefit from palliative care and

determining how to provide information about and facilitate access to appropriate

palliative care services for patients or residents with serious illnesses; and 3) any

other issues relating to palliative care arising through meetings or discussions, as

the council determines appropriate, but not including physician-assisted suicide.

The bill also requires the council to submit biennial reports providing its analysis

regarding certain issues relating to palliative care, including the availability of

palliative care, barriers to greater access to such care, and the impact of palliative

care on families that have experience with palliative care services. The council and

DHS program sunset effective July 1, 2024.