§ 23-89-1. Establishment of advisory council - Purposes. (a) There is hereby authorized, created and established a nine (9) member advisory council to be known as "The Rhode Island Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council" within the department of health with the powers and duties set forth in this chapter.

(b) The director of the department of health shall appoint nine (9) members to the council who shall have expertise in various aspects of palliative care including, but not limited to, medical, nursing, social work, pharmacy and spiritual; and patient and family caregivers. Membership shall specifically include experience in palliative care 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 care. One (1) council member shall be a designee of the Rhode Island American Cancer Society and two (2) member's shall be a chief executive of a licensed homecare agency or their designee. At least two (2) council members shall be board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physicians and/or nurses. Members shall serve for a term of three (3) years. Members shall receive no compensation for their services.

(c) The Rhode Island palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary advisory council shall consult with and advise the department of health on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation, and outcomes evaluation of palliative care initiatives in the state.

History of Section. (P.L. 2013, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 421, § 1.)