2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] State palliative care and quality of life advisory council

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health;
(2)
"Council" means the state palliative care and quality of life council created by this section;
(3)
"Department" means the department of health; and
(4)
"Palliative care":
(A)
Means an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with chronic life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification, assessment, and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems; and
(B)
Includes:
(i)
Discussions involving a patient's goals for treatment;
(ii)
Discussions involving treatment options that are appropriate to the patient, including, where appropriate, hospice care; and
(iii)
Comprehensive pain and symptom management.
(b)
The state palliative care and quality of life council is established.
(c)
The purpose of the council is to continually assess the current status of palliative care in this state and review the barriers that exist that prevent such care from being obtained and utilized by the people who could benefit from such care. The council shall provide recommendations to the governor and to the general assembly on issues related to its work.
(d)
(1)
The commissioner shall appoint the council membership after consulting with the Tennessee Hospice Association, Tennessee Hospital Association, Tennessee Medical Association, Tennessee Nursing Association, Tennessee Health Care Association, Tennessee Association of Home Care, and the Tennessee Chapter of the American Cancer Society and shall include interdisciplinary palliative care, medical, nursing, social work, pharmacy, and spiritual professional expertise; patient and family caregiver advocate representation; and any other relevant appointees the executive director determines appropriate.
(2)
The council consists of no more than twelve (12) members.
(3)
The commissioner shall consider the racial, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state when appointing members.
(4)
Membership must specifically include health professionals having palliative care work experience or expertise in palliative care delivery models in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and community settings such as acute care, long-term care, and hospice, and with a variety of populations, including pediatric, youth, and adult.
(5)
At least one (1) council member must be a board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physician, at least one (1) council member must be a licensed certified registered nurse practitioner with expertise in palliative care, one (1) council member must be from the department of health, and one (1) council member must be from the department of disability and aging.
(6)
Council members are appointed for a term of three (3) years.
(7)
The members shall elect a chair and vice chair, whose duties are established by the council.
(8)
The council shall fix a time and place for regular meetings and shall meet no less than twice yearly.
(e)
Council members receive no compensation for their services or travel reimbursement for attending meetings.
(f)
The council shall consult with and advise the commissioner on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of palliative care initiatives in this state.
(g)
The department shall provide administrative support to the council.
(h)
By January 15, 2020, the council shall submit a report to the general assembly that addresses barriers to palliative care access, analyzes service utilization data, and provides recommendations and best practices to address gaps in service. No later than January 15, 2027, and no later than January 15 every three (3) years thereafter, the council shall submit an updated report.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.