In the 2017 legislative session, the Minnesota legislature was one of about a dozen nationwide to create a Palliative Care Advisory Council. (Minn. Stat. 144.059).The application process for the council is currently open and the Commissioner of Health will be reviewing and appointing 18 members. These members will mostly have experience working with people with serious or chronic conditions, and their families.
Council membership will include:
Two physicians
Two Registered Nurses
One Care coordinator
One Spiritual counselor
Three licensed health professionals who are neither physicians or nurses
One licensed social worker
Four patients or personal caregivers
One health plan company representative
One Physician Assistant
Two members from any of the above categories
For further information, detailed descriptions for each type of member or to apply for a seat on this council, please go to the Board/Commission Palliative Care Advisory Council page on the Secretary of State�s website. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Council membership must include health professionals who have palliative care work experience or expertise in palliative care delivery models. This experience can come from a variety of inpatient, outpatient and community settings including: acute care, long-term care or hospice with a variety of patients, including pediatric, youth and adult.
Term
Members will serve a term of three years and may be reappointed. The council will meet at least twice yearly. There is no per diem or payment for members.
Council responsibilities
By law, the Council must do the following activities; however, they have the flexibility to decide on other projects. By Feb 15 of each year, the council will submit to the appropriate legislative body:
- An assessment of the availability of palliative care in the State of Minnesota.
- Analysis of barriers to greater access to palliative care.
- Recommendations for legislative action with draft legislation to implement the recommendations.