35-1-1202. Advisory council on palliative care.

(a) There is created the advisory council on palliative care. For administrative purposes the council shall be within the department of health unless otherwise specified by the governor. The council shall consist of not less than nine (9) nor more than thirteen (13) members appointed by the governor. The governor shall appoint a chairman for the council and may appoint a vice-chairman as needed. Membership on the council shall include:

(i) At least two (2) health care professionals with professional experience in palliative or hospice care;

(ii) At least one (1) licensed pharmacist;

(iii) At least one (1) law enforcement professional with experience in illegal drug offenses or the prosecution of illegal drug offenses;

(iv) At least one (1) member with experience counseling seriously ill or dying persons as a member of the clergy or as a mental health professional;

(v) At least one (1) member active in the faith community in Wyoming;

(vi) Other members selected by the governor to reach a council size of at least nine (9) but not more than thirteen (13) members, which may include members having training, experience or special knowledge concerning personal caregiving or palliative care in a variety of settings including home, community outpatient and inpatient settings and with a variety of populations including adults and children.

(b) The initial appointments shall be for staggered terms with three (3) members being appointed for two (2) year terms, three (3) members being appointed for three (3) year terms and the remaining members being appointed to one (1) year terms. Thereafter, members shall be appointed for three (3) year terms. The governor may remove any member of the council as provided in W.S. 9-1-202.

(c) Vacancies on the council shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

(d) The council shall meet not less than two (2) times a year at times and places mutually agreed upon between the chairman of the council and the department.

(e) Members of the council shall not receive compensation for their services. The governor may allow council members to receive per diem and mileage in the same manner and amount as members of the legislature, if the governor determines sufficient funds are available.

(f) Funding for expenses of the council shall come from the budget of the department, unless the governor, within his discretion as permitted by law, transfers funds from a different budget.

(g) The council shall:

(i) As its first priority, seek to maximize the effectiveness of palliative care in Wyoming by making comprehensive and accurate information and education about palliative care available to the public, health care providers and health care facilities;

(ii) Consult with and advise the department of health on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation and outcomes evaluation of palliative care initiatives in Wyoming;

(iii) Be available, as needed, to consult with and advise the department of health on palliative care needs and initiatives for residents of institutions operated by the department of health;

(iv) Advise the governor and legislature on policy and legislative needs to improve palliative care in Wyoming;

(v) Seek opportunities to open a dialogue with law enforcement, regulatory bodies and the opioid addiction task force on how to accommodate the legitimate uses of prescription drugs for palliative care with efforts to control the dangerous and illegal uses of those drugs;

(vi) When appropriate, advise the state board of pharmacy, the attorney general, the division of criminal investigation and local law enforcement on the needs of palliative care patients for prescription drugs and how to accommodate those needs consistent with efforts to control the dangerous and illegal uses of those drugs; and

(vii) Under no circumstances shall the scope of this council be construed or expanded to advocate, legitimize or otherwise provide for euthanasia or assisted suicide.