(a) There is established, within available appropriations, within the Department of Public Health, a Palliative Care Advisory Council. The advisory council shall: (1) Analyze the current state of palliative care in the state; and (2) advise the department on matters relating to the improvement of palliative care and the quality of life for persons with serious or chronic illnesses.

(b) The advisory council shall consist of the following members:

(1) Two appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a physician certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and one of whom shall be a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse certified by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses;

(2) Seven appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, each of whom shall be a licensed health care provider, with each appointee having experience or expertise in the provision of one of the following: (A) Inpatient palliative care in a hospital; (B) inpatient palliative care in a nursing home facility; (C) palliative care in the patient's home or a community setting; (D) pediatric palliative care; (E) palliative care for young adults; (F) palliative care for adults or elderly persons; and (G) inpatient palliative care in a psychiatric facility;

(3) One appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be a licensed social worker experienced in working with persons with serious or chronic illness and their family members;

(4) One appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, who shall be a licensed pharmacist experienced in working with persons with serious or chronic illness;

(5) One appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be a spiritual counselor experienced in working with persons with serious or chronic illness and their family members; and

(6) One appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, who shall be a representative of the American Cancer Society or a person experienced in advocating for persons with serious or chronic illness and their family members.

(c) All appointments to the advisory council shall be made not later than December 31, 2013. Advisory council members shall serve three-year terms. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.

(d) Members shall receive no compensation except for reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties.

(e) The members shall elect the chairperson of the advisory council from among the members of the advisory council. A majority of the advisory council members shall constitute a quorum. Any action taken by the advisory council shall require a majority vote of those present. The first meeting of the advisory council shall be held not later than December 31, 2013. The advisory council shall meet biannually and at other times upon the call of the chairperson, upon the request of the Commissioner of Public Health or upon the request of a majority of the advisory council members.

(f) Not later than January 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, the advisory council shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the Commissioner of Public Health and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.

(P.A. 13-55, S. 1.)