1. (a) The advisory council is composed of the members appointed by the executive commissioner as provided by this section.

2. (b) The advisory council must include:

   1. (1) at least five physician members, including two who are board certified in hospice and palliative care and one who is board certified in pain management;
   2. (2) three palliative care practitioner members, including two advanced practice registered nurses who are board certified in hospice and palliative care and one physician assistant who has experience providing palliative care;

   3. (3) four health care professional members, including a nurse, a social worker, a pharmacist, and a spiritual care professional, with:

      1. (A) experience providing palliative care to pediatric, youth, or adult populations;
      2. (B) expertise in palliative care delivery in an inpatient, outpatient, or community setting; or
      3. (C) expertise in interdisciplinary palliative care;
   4. (4) at least three members with experience as an advocate for patients and the patients' family caregivers and who are independent of a hospital or other health care facility, including at least one member who is a representative of an established patient advocacy organization; and
   5. (5) ex officio representatives of the commission or another state agency as the executive commissioner determines appropriate.
3. (c) Advisory council members serve at the pleasure of the executive commissioner.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 356 (H.B. 1874), Sec. 2, eff. June 9, 2015.