Section 22-5C-2
State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life.
(a) Not later than November 23, 2015, the State Health Department shall establish a State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life within the department.
(b) The council membership shall be appointed by the State Health Officer and shall include interdisciplinary palliative care medical, nursing, social work, pharmacy, and spiritual professional expertise; patient and family caregiver advocate representation, and any other relevant appointees the State Health Officer determines appropriate. The State Health Officer shall consider the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state when appointing members. Membership shall specifically include health professionals having palliative care work experience or expertise in palliative care delivery models 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 adults. At least one council member shall be a board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physician and one member a licensed Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. At least one council member shall be designated by the Alabama Hospital Association, at least one council member shall be designated by the Alabama Nursing Home Association, and at least one council member shall be designated by the Alabama Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Council members shall be appointed for a term of three years, but may be replaced at the discretion of the State Health Officer. The members shall elect a chair and vice chair whose duties shall be established by the council. The council shall fix a time and place for regular meetings and shall meet not less than twice yearly.
(c) Council members shall receive no compensation for their services.
(d) The State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life shall consult with and advise the State Health Officer and the department on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of palliative care initiatives in this state.
(Act 2015-207, §2.)