The commissioner shall ensure that information and referral services relating to hospice care are available in all regions of the state. The commissioner shall collect and make available information about available hospice care, sources of payment, providers, and the rights of patients. The commissioner may require hospice providers to provide information requested for the purposes of this section as a condition of licensure. The commissioner may publish and make available:

1. (1) general information describing hospice care in the state;
2. (2) limitations on hours, availability of services, and eligibility for third-party payments, applicable to individual providers; and

3. (3) other information the commissioner determines to be appropriate.

   * NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2002, chapter 252, *section 18, is effective upon adoption of licensure rules under *section 144A.752, subdivision 1. Laws 2002, chapter 252, *section 24.