RDCSB119 3956 3061
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 119 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Colomb
Proposed law defines palliative care as person-centered, family-focused care that provides
a patient with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness. Proposed law
provides that palliative care is appropriate for a patient of any age and at any stage of a
serious illness and can reduce medical costs and patient recovery time when provided by an
interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare specialists
in order to provide an additional source of support to a patient with a serious illness.
Proposed law defines "palliative care for children" as the care appropriate for children and
their families that begins at diagnosis and continues regardless of whether the treatment is
directed at the disease. This requires health providers to evaluate and alleviate a child's
physical, psychological, and social distress through a multi-disciplinary approach that
includes the family and makes use of available community resources which can be
successfully implemented even if resources are limited. This includes active total care of
the child's body, mind, and spirit and the support given to the family. Palliative care for
children can be provided in tertiary care facilities, in community health centers, and in
children's homes
Proposed law establishes the Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council to study and
make recommendations to the secretary and the legislature regarding the availability of
patient-centered and family-focused palliative care in this state. Proposed law provides that
the secretary shall call the first meeting and that the council shall meet at least twice a year.
Proposed law provides that the department shall provide staff support for the council and
shall post notices and materials regarding the council on its website.
Proposed law provides that council members shall have at least two years of experience
providing individual or interdisciplinary palliative care to pediatric, youth, or adult
populations in inpatient, outpatient, or community settings and shall include seventeen
members: four physicians, three nurses, one palliative care program administrator, one social
worker, one pharmacist, one spiritual care advisor, one insurance administrator, three patient
and family advocates, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health or his designee
who shall be a nonvoting member, and the Medicaid director or his designee.
Proposed law provides for analysis of information regarding palliative care to be included
in recommendations to the secretary and the legislature and for the creation of an educational
initiative, including the addition of such information on the department's website. Proposed
law provides for a report to the legislature on February 1st of each year.
Proposed law terminates on March 31, 2022, unless reauthorized by the legislature.
Effective August 1, 2019.
(Adds R.S. 36:259(B)(36) and R.S. 40:2018.6)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill
1. Provides that one of the four physician members of the council shall be board
certified in pediatric palliative care.
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2. Adds the Medicaid director to the council.
3. Adds authority for the council to engage and solicit input from, at a
minimum, certain identified stakeholders.
4. Increases the number of meetings a member may miss before being replaced
from two to three.
5. Increases frequency of council meetings from twice each year to quarterly
each year.
6. Changes the definition of "palliative care".
7. Makes technical corrections.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes technical amendments.
2. Replaces the ex officio nonvoting member appointed as a representative of
the secretary with the secretary or his designee specifies the secretary shall
be a nonvoting member.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the reengrossed bill:
1. Add "palliative care for children" to the list of definitions.
2. Make technical changes.
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