Continuing education for qualified health care providers

(a) In general Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall develop or enhance new and existing curricula on advance care planning and end-of-life care for continuing education that States may adopt for qualified health care providers. (b) Consultation In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, may consult with qualified health care providers, applicable professional clinician associations, institutions of higher education, State boards of medicine and nursing, and other professionals, as the Secretary determines appropriate. (c) Content The continuing education curriculum developed or enhanced under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, include— (1) a description of the meaning and importance of advance care planning; (2) a description of advance care planning documents, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and the use of such directives; (3) the appropriate use of orders for scope of treatment; (4) counseling skills for when and how to introduce and engage in advance care planning with patients and their loved ones; (5) palliative care principles and approaches to care; (6) the continuum of end-of-life services and supports, including palliative care and hospice; and (7) the importance of introducing palliative care and hospice early in illness in order to improve quality of life.