An Act Concerning Hospice And Palliative Care Services.
The bill would allow nurses, under a physician's supervision, to administer certain medications and perform specific procedures, such as disimpactions, at patients' homes. This expansion of nurses' roles in hospice care is designed to facilitate more comprehensive care structures and improve accessibility for patients. Additionally, it mandates that insurance companies reimburse hospice care at a daily rate similar to that of general inpatient care, thereby addressing concerns regarding the financial burdens often placed on families seeking hospice services.
SB00543, known as 'An Act Concerning Hospice and Palliative Care Services', aims to modernize the standards and practices surrounding hospice and palliative care. This bill focuses on enhancing the quality of care for end-of-life patients by implementing several key provisions. Notably, it requires physicians to receive adequate training in end-of-life and palliative care, ensuring that health professionals are well-prepared to provide the necessary support and medical care to patients and their families during this critical time.
One notable point of contention surrounding SB00543 is its implication for insurance reimbursement practices, which may face resistance from insurance providers concerned about costs. Furthermore, questions may arise concerning the adequacy of training for nurses in the administration of medications at home, as this expands their responsibilities significantly. The bill's provisions could be seen as both an improvement in patient care and a potential overreach into nursing practices, raising debates about the balance between increasing access to care and maintaining standards of safety and quality.