Source date: 2026-05-28
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Palliative Care Law: What changes for patients and their loved ones? Published on May 29, 2026 - Service Public / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The law aimed at guaranteeing equal access for all to care and palliative support was published in the Official Journal on May 27, 2026. It strengthens the rights of sick persons and their loved ones. It notably provides for better access to palliative care, improved patient information, and consideration of the needs of those close to the patient.
Expanded right to care and palliative support
Palliative care is available to anyone, regardless of age, suffering from a serious illness and facing physical, psychological, or social distress, particularly at the end of life. It includes:
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assessment and comprehensive management of physical problems (especially pain);
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addressing psychological suffering;
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responding to social and spiritual needs.
Care and palliative support are provided early, actively, and continuously throughout the patient's care pathway, regardless of their place of residence or treatment.
Care also includes loved ones and caregivers. The law provides for support for the entourage of the sick person to ensure psychological and social assistance, particularly after the death of the sick person.
The geolocated directory of palliative care and end-of-life support structures allows you to locate and find contact details for structures providing palliative care or end-of-life support across French territory.
New care and palliative support homes
These small living units, intermediate between home and hospital, can accommodate and support people at the end of life whose medical condition is stabilized. They are intended to take over from home accommodation when it is no longer possible, and offer support to loved ones.
All nursing homes for dependent elderly persons (Ehpad) must also include a section relating to palliative care and support.
The possibilities for volunteer associations to intervene at the homes of terminally ill patients have been relaxed.
A right to information for patients
Upon announcement of a serious illness, worsening of a chronic pathology, or onset of loss of autonomy, the patient may be offered a personalized care plan following discussions with a doctor or healthcare professional. They may be informed and supported regarding:
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their rights concerning palliative care;
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possible care arrangements (at home, in a facility, etc.);
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drafting advance directives and appointing a trusted person.
Beneficiaries of a personalized care plan can attach it to their advance directives. These directives can be recorded and stored in the digital health space to make them more easily accessible to healthcare professionals when needed.
Fees for palliative care services cannot exceed standard rates.
Legal texts and references
See also
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Care and palliative support Service Public
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Palliative care and end of life Ministry in charge of health
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Receiving palliative care at home National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy (CNSA)
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The National Center for Palliative Care and End of Life CNSPFV
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Vie publique - Law of May 26, 2026 aimed at guaranteeing equal access for all to care and palliative support Vie publique
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Source: Service-Public particuliers