Representatives with the American Cancer Society hope Kentucky lawmakers will do more to improve palliative care for cancer patients.
ACS Kentucky Government Relations Director Erica Palmer Smith said the Commonwealth is undergoing a cancer crisis, leading the country in cancer-related deaths. “Palliative care is critical for patients going through cancer treatment. It’s appropriate, not just at end of life, but also through any part of that treatment and it makes sure that patients get the right kind of treatment for the symptoms that come along with their disease,” said Palmer Smith.
Palliative care is created through a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists working with the patient’s primary care physician. Palmer Smith hopes to see two pieces of legislation passed this year. In addition to establishing a palliative care state advisory council, a second measure seeks to reduce delays for patients receiving prescription medications.
“What it would do is require a 72-hour turnaround on all prior authorization requests and a 24-hour turnaround for any of those requests that are emergency requests. So, we’re making sure that patients aren’t having to wait more than three days to get an approval or denial of medication that their physician believes they need for treatment,” noted Palmer Smith.
Palmer Smith said a second measure would establish a consumer guide, and education program in the Commonwealth.
