Minnesota Agencies

The Council was created to study the availability and barriers to access of palliative care in Minnesota and recommend legislative action. The council shall consult with and advise the commissioner of Health on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation, and outcomes evaluation of palliative care initiatives in the state.

By February 15 of each year, the council shall submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the senate and the house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over health care a report containing: the advisory council's assessment of the availability of palliative care in the state; the advisory council's analysis of barriers to greater access to palliative care; and recommendations for legislative action, with draft legislation to implement the recommendations.

The Department of Health shall publish the report each year on the department's Web site.

The council shall meet at least twice yearly and the council is subject to the requirements of open meeting law (chapter 13D). The council was originally set to sunset on January 1, 2025, but the statutory sunset date was repealed in 2023 (Laws of Minn. 2023, chap. 70, art. 4, sec. 113).

The Palliative Care Advisory Council shall consist of 18 public members, appointed by the commissioner of health as follows:

(1) two physicians, of which one is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine;
(2) two registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses, of which one is certified by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses;
(3) one care coordinator experienced in working with people with serious or chronic illness and their families;
(4) one spiritual counselor experienced in working with people with serious or chronic illness and their families;
(5) three licensed health professionals, such as complementary and alternative health care practitioners, dietitians or nutritionists, pharmacists, or physical therapists, who are neither physicians nor nurses, but who have experience as members of a palliative care interdisciplinary team working with people with serious or chronic illness and their families;
(6) one licensed social worker experienced in working with people with serious or chronic illness and their families;
(7) four patients or personal caregivers experienced with serious or chronic illness;
(8) one representative of a health plan company;
(9) one physician assistant that is a member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; and
(10) two members from any of the categories described in clauses (1) to (9).

Members of the council shall serve for a term of three years and may be reappointed. Members shall serve until their successors have been appointed.

At the council's first meeting, and biannually thereafter, the members shall elect a chair and a vice-chair whose duties shall be established by the council.