Senate Bill No. 1540 aims to enhance the responsibilities of the existing working group focused on pediatric hospice services in Connecticut. The bill modifies the current duties of the working group, which were initially established under public act 24-19, by extending their scope to include the development of a Children's Health, Advocacy, Management, and Palliative Care program, along with a Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care Center of Excellence pilot program. The working group is tasked with making recommendations regarding necessary appropriations, operational requirements, educational standards for nursing staff, and any licensing or certification needed for these programs. The current responsibilities, which include reviewing existing services and evaluating funding options, will remain in effect until March 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the working group must schedule its first meeting within 30 days of the bill's passage and report its findings to the Public Health Committee by March 1, 2025, and its recommendations for the new programs by March 1, 2026. The bill repeals and replaces Section 29 of public act 24-19, reflecting these changes. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve pediatric hospice care in the state by establishing a structured framework for advocacy and management in this critical area of healthcare.