The bill enacts R.S. 40:2009.26, which establishes regulations for hospice care in inpatient licensed facilities in Louisiana. It emphasizes the need for additional patient protections for hospice patients, who are considered among the most medically vulnerable. The legislation outlines the rights of patients receiving hospice care, including access to comfort-focused care, respectful communication, and clear explanations of care decisions. It also mandates the creation of a patient-specific written care plan that identifies the hospice provider, the provider controlling medical orders, and the point of contact for the patient's family.

Furthermore, the bill requires facilities to maintain detailed logs of patient care, including offers of food and fluid, and to notify hospice providers and families promptly when a patient is transferred to another facility. It prohibits retaliation against families raising concerns about patient care and establishes oversight by the Louisiana Department of Health, which can conduct complaint surveys and enforce compliance through plans of correction or administrative penalties. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the quality of hospice care and ensure better communication and coordination among providers and families.