1. (a) The palliative care and quality of life advisory council is established.

2. (b) The state health commissioner shall appoint the members of the advisory council. The advisory council must be comprised of persons with an expertise in and a knowledge of palliative care issues in Indiana as follows:

   1. (1) One (1) member representing interdisciplinary medical palliative care.
   2. (2) One (1) member representing nursing.
   3. (3) One (1) member representing social work.
   4. (4) One (1) member representing pharmacy.
   5. (5) One (1) member with spiritual or religious professional expertise.
   6. (6) One (1) member representing a patient or family caregiver advocacy group.

   7. (7) Two (2) or more members who:

      1. (A) are either:

         1. (i) licensed as a physician under IC 25-22.5 ; or
         2. (ii) licensed as a registered nurse under IC 25-23 ; and

      2. (B) specialize in hospice and palliative care medicine.

         The commissioner may include other representatives that the commissioner considers appropriate. The advisory council membership as a whole must represent health professionals that have palliative care work experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and community settings for a variety of populations, including pediatric and adults. The commissioner shall appoint a member of the advisory council as chairperson.

3. (c) An individual appointed to the advisory council under this section serves a three (3) year term at the will of the state health commissioner and without compensation or reimbursement for any expense that the member may incur.
4. (d) The state department shall staff the advisory council.
5. (e) The affirmative vote of a majority of the members appointed to the advisory council is required for the advisory council to take action on any measure.

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