§ 234 — Palliative care consumer and professional information and education program

Section 234. Subject to appropriation, there shall be a statewide palliative care consumer and professional information and education program within the department. The program shall work to maximize the effectiveness of palliative care initiatives in the commonwealth by making comprehensive and accurate information and education about palliative care available to the public, health care providers and health care facilities.The department shall publish information and resources about the program on its website, including links to external resources, for the public, health care providers and health care facilities, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) continuing educational opportunities for health care providers; (ii) information about palliative care delivery in the home and in primary, secondary and tertiary environments; (iii) best practices for palliative care delivery; and (iv) consumer educational materials and referral information for palliative care, including hospice.The department may develop and implement other initiatives regarding palliative care services and education that the department determines to further the purposes of this section.In implementing the program, the department shall consult with the palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary advisory council established in section 233.