HB235 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Health Department, Palliative Care and Quality of Life, State Advisory Council and program established, appointed by State Health Officer, advisory capacity to department

Summary

HB235 would create a State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life within the Alabama State Health Department and establish a statewide palliative care information and education program.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a council appointed by the State Health Officer composed of interdisciplinary health professionals and patient/family advocates to advise the department on palliative care delivery in Alabama. The council members are selected for diversity, have specified professional requirements, and elect a chair and vice chair; they meet at least twice a year and do not receive compensation. It also creates a statewide Palliative Care Information and Education Program to publish information and provide education for the public, providers, and facilities, with the department consulting the council, while ensuring the information does not set care standards or create new liability for physicians or hospitals.

Who It Affects

• Health care professionals with palliative care expertise and patient/family caregivers, who would participate in the council and help shape palliative care policy and education.
• Hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and related health organizations designated by state associations, and Alabama residents who access the new public information and educational resources.

Key Provisions

• Establishes within the State Health Department a State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life, appointed by the State Health Officer, with a diverse membership including medical, nursing, social work, pharmacy, spiritual professionals, patient/family advocates, and other relevant appointees.
• Sets terms of three years for council members, requires at least one board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physician and one licensed CRNP, designations by state associations (Alabama Hospital Association, Alabama Nursing Home Association, Alabama Hospice and Palliative Care Organization), and minimum meeting frequency of twice yearly with an elected chair and vice chair.
• Creates a statewide Palliative Care Information and Education Program to publish information on the department’s website, provide continuing education for health care providers, share resources on palliative care delivery in various settings, and supply consumer materials; the department must consult with the Council in implementing this program and the information is not intended to establish standards of care or increase liability.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health