BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SCR 117
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Date of Hearing: June 29, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
SCR 117
(Pan) - As Introduced March 7, 2016
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Urgency: State Mandated Local Program: Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This resolution encourages the state to study palliative care
and to develop solutions, tools, and best practices for
providing better patient-centered care and information to
individuals with chronic diseases.
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FISCAL EFFECT:
Because this resolution specifically references potential
benefits of formation of a state palliative care and quality of
life interdisciplinary advisory council, as well as a palliative
care information and education program within the Department of
Public Health, it may result in unknown, likely minor cost
pressure to enhance state capacity related to palliative care.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose and Background. Palliative care is specialized medical
care for people with serious illnesses. It is intended to
provide patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and
stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality
of life for both the patient and the family. Studies have
indicated numerous benefits of high-quality palliative care.
This resolution, sponsored by the American Cancer Society
Cancer Action Network, encourages the state to do more to
improve palliative care access and affordability.
2)Context. This resolution appears consistent with recent
studies and related state efforts. Studies and workgroups
have also noted significant gaps in training and availability
of palliative care in California. For example, a 2015 study
titled "Dying in California: A Status Report on
End-of-Life-Care" notes growing demand far outpaces the
capacity of services. Palliative care specialists are in short
supply, and certification programs are limited. The
California State Innovation Plan released in 2014 by the
California Health and Human Services Agency included enhancing
palliative care as one of four key initiatives to improve
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health in California. In addition, SB 1004 (Hernandez),
Chapter 574, Statutes of 2014, requires the Department of
Health Care Services to establish standards and provide
technical assistance for Medi-Cal managed care plans to ensure
delivery of palliative care services.
Analysis Prepared by:Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916)
319-2081