The bill amends the Public Health Code to establish a Palliative Care Advisory Task Force within the Department of Health. The task force will be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and will consist of various members, including representatives from hospice organizations, palliative care clinical experts, patient advocates, and insurance companies. The task force is tasked with providing a recommended definition for palliative care, conducting research, making recommendations to expand palliative care services, and developing public engagement strategies to improve awareness and access to palliative care.
The bill outlines the structure and operational guidelines for the task force, including the appointment process, member terms, and meeting requirements. Members will not receive compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses. The task force is required to meet quarterly and must comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, it is mandated to produce an annual report starting January 1, 2028, detailing the availability of palliative care services in Michigan and identifying any gaps in service provision.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211