Relating to: establishment of a Palliative Care Council. (FE)

AB 23 establishes a 22-member Palliative Care Council within the Department of Health Services to advise on palliative care policy. The council includes physicians, nurses, patient advocates, insurers, and legislators, with specific requirements for geographic and program-type representation (e.g., community-based vs. hospital-based care). It will evaluate palliative care programs, advise on reimbursement mechanisms, and report biennially to the legislature on access and impact. The bill explicitly excludes physician-assisted suicide and similar topics from the council’s advisory scope. This bill directly affects palliative care providers, patients, insurers, and state health agencies through structured policy guidance.