AN ACT relating to sickle cell disease.

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AN ACT relating to sickle cell disease. 1
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 2
SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 216B IS CREATED TO 3
READ AS FOLLOWS: 4
By January 1, 2027, each hospital licensed by the Cabinet for Health and Family 5
Services shall: 6
(1) Establish policies and procedures to improve care for sickle cell disease patients 7
during hospital and emergency room visits, including: 8
(a) Expedited pain management protocols implementing standardized 9
procedures to prioritize pain relief for sickle cell disease patients within 10
thirty (30) minutes of arrival; 11
(b) Sickle cell disease medical care teams trained in sickle cell disease crisis 12
management for hospital emergency rooms; and 13
(c) Required training for all emergency room staff on sickle cell disease that 14
focuses on recognizing pain episodes, addressing care a nd treatment bias, 15
and providing culturally competent care; 16
(2) Develop programs to prevent and address addiction risks for sickle cell disease 17
patients, including: 18
(a) Alternative pain management options including nonopioid pain 19
management techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 20
integrative medicine; and 21
(b) Accessible addiction treatment specifically designed for sickle cell disease 22
patients who have developed opioid dependence to ensure a holistic and 23
compassionate approach to recovery; and 24
(3) Provide patients with education and resources, including: 25
(a) Self-efficacy education on managing sickle cell disease as a chronic illness 26
and promoting independence rather than dependence on frequent hospital 27
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care; and 1
(b) Financial literacy workshops to help patients budget and manage finances 2
during extended hospital stays for sickle cell disease care. 3