As used in this subchapter:
(1) “Palliative care” means patient-centered and family-centered medical care offered throughout the continuum of an illness that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating the suffering caused by a serious illness to address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs and facilitate patient autonomy, access to information, and choice, including without limitation:
(A) Discussion of the patient's goals for treatment;
(B) Discussions of treatment options appropriate to the patient, including hospice care, if needed; and
(C) Comprehensive pain and symptom management; and
(2) “Serious illness” means a medical illness or physical injury or condition that substantially impacts quality of life for more than a short period of time, including without limitation cancer, renal failure, liver failure, heart disease, lung disease, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.