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AN ACT relating to sickle cell disease. 1
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 2
ď˘SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 216B IS CREATED TO 3
READ AS FOLLOWS: 4
By January 1, 2026, each hospital licensed by the Cabinet for Health and Family 5
Services shall: 6
(1) Establish policies and procedures to improve care for sickle cell disease patients 7
during hospital and emergency room visits, including: 8
(a) Expedited pain management protocols implementing standardized 9
procedures to prioritize pain relief for sickle cell disease patients within 10
thirty (30) minutes of arrival; 11
(b) Sickle cell disease care medical care teams trained in sickle cell disease 12
crisis management for hospital emergency rooms; and 13
(c) Required training for all emergency room staff on sickle cell disease that 14
focuses on recognizing pain episodes, addressing care and treatment bias, 15
and providing culturally competent care; 16
(2) Develop programs to prevent and address addiction risks for sickle cell disease 17
patients, including: 18
(a) Alternative pain management options including nonopioid pain 19
management techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 20
integrative medicine; and 21
(b) Accessible addiction treatment specifically designed for sickle cell disease 22
patients who have developed opioid dependence to ensure a holistic and 23
compassionate approach to recovery; and 24
(3) Provide patients with education and resources, including: 25
(a) Self-efficiency education on managing sickle cell disease as a chronic 26
illness and promoting independence rather than dependence on frequent 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 495
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hospital care; and 1
(b) Financial literacy workshops to help patients budget and manage finances 2
during extended hospital stays for sickle cell disease care. 3