(a) There is created a statewide Palliative Care Information and Education Program in the State Health Department. The purpose of the palliative care information and education program is to maximize the effectiveness of palliative care initiatives in the state by ensuring that comprehensive and accurate information and education about palliative care is available to the public, health care providers, and health care facilities. The department shall publish on its website information and resources, including links to external resources, about palliative care for the public, health care providers, and health care facilities. This information shall include, but not be limited to, continuing educational opportunities for health care providers; information about palliative care delivery in the home and in other primary, secondary, and tertiary environments; and consumer educational materials and referral information for palliative care, including hospice. The department may develop and implement any other initiatives regarding palliative care services and education that the department determines would further the purposes of this section.
(b) The department shall consult with the State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life in implementing this section.
(c) The information gathered by the State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life, and any information published by the State Department of Public Health pursuant to this chapter, shall not be construed to establish a standard of care for physicians and hospitals, as hospitals are defined in Section 22-21-20, or otherwise modify, amend, or supersede any provision of the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1987 or the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1996, commencing with Section 6-5-540, or any amendment thereto, or any judicial interpretation thereof. A physician or hospital shall not have legal liability or responsibility for claims resulting or derived from any of the information produced or disseminated pursuant to this chapter.
Last modified: May 3, 2021