As used in this chapter, "palliative care" means patient centered and family focused medical care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering caused by a medical illness or a physical injury or condition that substantially affects a patient's quality of life. The term includes the following:

1. (1) Addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
2. (2) Facilitating patient autonomy and choice of care.
3. (3) Providing access to information.
4. (4) Discussing the patient's goals for treatment and treatment options, including hospice care when appropriate.
5. (5) Comprehensively managing pain and symptoms.

As added by P.L.43-2016, SEC.3.