Senate Bill No. 22 establishes the Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council within the Louisiana Department of Health, aimed at enhancing the availability and quality of palliative care services in the state. The bill amends R.S. 36:259(B)(36) to reflect the council's new designation under R.S. 40:2018.7, while repealing the previous law R.S. 40:2018.6. The council is tasked with assessing patient-centered palliative care, making recommendations to the secretary of the Department of Health and the legislature, and conducting annual analyses of palliative care availability and barriers.

The council will consist of seventeen members with diverse expertise, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and patient advocates, and will be supported by the Department of Health. It is required to hold quarterly meetings and will focus on educating the public and healthcare providers about palliative care. The provisions of this act are set to terminate on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB22 Original: 36:259(B)(36)
SB22 Engrossed: 36:259(B)(36)
SB22 Reengrossed: 36:259(B)(36)
SB22 Enrolled: 36:259(B)(36)
SB22 Act 659: 36:259(B)(36)