Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: June 3, 2003
Senator
Daisy Lawler
Governor Signs Bill To Authorize Inpatient Hospice Care
Governor
Henry signed a measure last Thursday that clears the way for inpatient
hospice care throughout the state, according to the bill’s author,
Senator Daisy Lawler, D-Comanche.
Senate Bill 591 authorizes the Department of Health to create a licensing
process and establishes set standards. The legislation also allows for
regular inspections of inpatient hospice facilities.
“Our hospices do an outstanding job of providing quality support
and care for their patients. This legislation will enable them to offer
a new level of care through inpatient hospice facilities,” Senator
Lawler explained.
Senator Lawler met with employees of hospices and Health Department
officials from across Oklahoma during this year’s legislative
session. Hospice staff and volunteers expressed a strong need for inpatient
care.
Senator Lawler said the hospice inpatient facility would provide an
effective alternative for those patients who can no longer remain in
their own homes, patients whose pain can no longer be controlled in
the home and patients in their final days of life.
“Every year, more families and individuals are turning to hospices
to help them care for a loved one who does not want to spend their final
days in a hospital bed and does not have a primary caregiver available,”
Senator Lawler added.
Under SB 591, a hospice program may obtain or build a hospice facility
through community assistance. The facility could provide up to 12 beds
for patients and could offer around-the-clock care.
“It is a wonderful service for the patients and their families,
and it makes sense in today’s changing health care environment
because it saves money while meeting patients’ very human needs.
I was privileged to introduce and pass such important legislation this
session,” Senator Lawler said.
SB 591 takes effect on November 1 of this year.
For more information, contact:
Senate Communications
Division - (405) 521-5774
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