LINCOLN, Neb. – Today the Nebraska Legislature voted 48-0 to provide a crucial layer of extra care to Nebraskans battling devastating diseases such as cancer.
The passage of LB 323, the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Act, creates state advisory council and gathers input from health care professionals on ways Nebraska can improve delivery of this type of integrated care. Palliative care is a growing field of specialized medical care that focuses on relieving pain, stress and other often debilitating symptoms of a serious illness.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network supported the measure and worked alongside lawmakers, cancer survivors and caregivers alike to advocate for the bill’s passage. This legislation ensures that comprehensive and accurate information about palliative care is available to the public, health care providers, and health care facilities.
“The Legislature has just paved the way for Nebraskans with chronic illnesses to achieve a better quality of life as they heal and undergo treatments,” said ACS CAN Government Relations Director Nick Faustman. “Palliative care reduces the time patients spend being in intensive care units or readmitted to a hospital, and we are thankful that patients will be able to reclaim time with their loved ones. ACS CAN and our volunteers thank Sen. Mark Kolterman for championing this important legislation.”
The bill now moves to Gov. Pete Ricketts’ desk to be signed into law.
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