LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
The following are disability-related bills and/or issues pending in the Illinois General Assembly that are scheduled to be heard in committee during the week of March 8, 2021:
House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee
March 8, 2021, 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
HB 94, Representative Mary E. Flowers
Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the State Board of Education for autism programs. Effective July 1, 2021.
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House Insurance Committee
March 8, 2021, 11:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 339, Representative Mark Batinick
Amends the Short-Term, Limited-Duration Health Insurance Coverage Act. Removes provisions concerning a required expiration date for any short-term, limited duration health insurance coverage policy that is delivered or issued for delivery. Effective immediately.
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HB 707, Representative Daniel Didech
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, provides that if an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance provides coverage for telehealth services, reimbursement for services provided through telehealth services shall be equivalent to reimbursement for the same services provided through in-person consultation.
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House Judiciary-Criminal Committee
March 9, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 28, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the curriculum for certified training programs in crisis intervention shall be at least 40 hours for recruit law enforcement officers. Provides that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training programs shall be a collaboration between law enforcement professionals, mental health providers, families, and consumer advocates and must minimally include the following components: (1) basic information about mental illnesses and how to recognize them; (2) information about mental health laws and resources; (3) learning from family members of individuals with mental illness and their experiences, and (4) verbal de-escalation training and role-plays. Amends the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act. Provides that a person who is convicted of any criminal or traffic law or ordinance, other than a conviction entered upon a plea of guilty, $5 to be distributed as follows: (1) $2.50 to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for implementing crisis intervention team training for recruit law enforcement officers under the Illinois Police Training Act; (2) $2.25 to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for grants to local law enforcement agencies for continued crisis intervention team training; and (3) 25 cents to be retained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for administrative expenses. Effective July 1, 2021.
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House Human Services Committee
March 9, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 43, Representative Katie Stuart
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Provides that any person may report information about the suspicious death of an eligible adult to an agency designated to receive such reports under the Act or to the Department on Aging. Provides that if a mandated reporter has reason to believe that the death of an eligible adult may be the result of abuse or neglect, the matter shall be reported to an agency designated to receive such reports under the Act or to the Department for subsequent referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the coroner or medical examiner. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against any employee who reports information about the suspicious death of an eligible adult in accordance with the Act. Provides that any mandated reporter who is required under the Act to report a suspicious death due to abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation shall testify fully in any administrative hearing resulting from such report. Provides that a referral to law enforcement may be made after a report of a suspicious death, depending upon the circumstances. Provides that all records concerning reports of suspicious deaths due to abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect and all records generated as a result of such reports shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, with some exceptions. Effective January 1, 2022.
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HB 292, Representative Natalie Manley
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to increase rates and reimbursements in effect on June 30, 2021 payable to Illinois not-for-profit community-based agencies in order to increase access utilization of individual and group supported employment, increase acuity-based rate differentials in on-site and off-site community day services, and other matters. Provides that beginning January 1, 2022, for a medical assistance recipient who is a resident in a facility licensed under the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) Licensure and Certification Act, the State shall pay an amount in addition to the minimum monthly personal needs allowance authorized under the Social Security Act so that the person’s total monthly personal needs allowance from both State and federal sources equals $90. Provides that beginning no later than October 1, 2022, residents of CILA facilities who are eligible for medical assistance and are enrolled in the State’s home and community-based services waiver program for adults with developmental disabilities shall retain all earned income from employment or community day services activities. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In a provision requiring the State Use Committee to review the pricing of supplies and services procured by the State from a qualified not-for-profit agency for persons with significant disabilities, provides that the Committee may consider during its review certain factors including, but not limited to, amounts private businesses would pay for similar products or services. Effective immediately.
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HB 422, Representative La Toya Greenwood
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging, the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Regarding services under the Community Care Program (CCP), the Home Services Program, the supportive living facilities program, and the nursing home prescreening project, provides that individuals with a score of 29 or higher based on the determination of need assessment tool shall be eligible to receive institutional and home and community-based long term care services until the State receives federal approval and implements an updated assessment tool, and those individuals are found to be ineligible under that updated assessment tool. Requires the Department on Aging and the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules, but not emergency rules, regarding the updated assessment tool. Contains provisions concerning continued eligibility for persons made ineligible for services under the updated assessment tool. Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Prohibits the Department on Aging from adopting any rule that: (i) restricts eligibility under CCP to persons who qualify for medical assistance; or (ii) establishes a separate program of home and community-based long term care services for persons eligible for CCP services but not eligible for medical assistance. Prohibits the Department from increasing copayment levels under CCP to those levels in effect on January 1, 2016. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Deletes a provision concerning an increase in the determination of need scores, on and after July 1, 2012, from 29 to 37. Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Prohibits the involuntary discharge of an individual receiving care in an institutional setting as the result of the updated assessment tool until a transition plan has been developed. Effective immediately.
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HB 452, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to prescribe and supervise courses of vocational training and to provide such other services as may be necessary for the vocational rehabilitation (rather than the habilitation and rehabilitation) of persons with one or more disabilities. Requires the Department to cooperate with State and local school authorities and other recognized agencies engaged in vocational rehabilitation services; and to cooperate with the Illinois State Board of Education and other specified entities regarding the education (rather than care and education) of children with one or more disabilities. Requires the Department to submit an annual report to the Governor that contains information on the programs, activities, and funding dedicated to vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and other community services and supports. Requires the Statewide Independent Living Council to develop a State Plan for Independent Living. Makes changes to provisions concerning grant awards to eligible centers for independent living. Repeals provisions regarding community services for persons with visual disabilities at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education. Amends the Disabilities Services Act of 2003. Repeals provisions regarding a Rapid Reintegration Pilot Program. Amends the School Code. Provides that if a child with a disability might be eligible to receive services from the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education, the school district shall notify the parents, in writing, of the existence of the school and the services provided. Effective immediately.
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HB 591, Representative La Shawn K. Ford
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to permit medical assistance recipients, including those enrolled in managed care, to obtain pharmacy services from the pharmacy of their choice if the pharmacy is licensed under the Pharmacy Practice Act and accepts the professional dispensing fee for pharmacy services as determined by the Department. Provides that no managed care organization that contracts with the Department to provide services to recipients may restrict a recipient’s access to pharmacy services to a selected group of pharmacies. Provides that if a managed care organization merges with or is acquired by another entity, the resulting entity may not restrict a recipient’s access to pharmacy services to a selected group of pharmacies. Permits the Department to renegotiate with the resulting entity the terms of the managed care contract the Department had with the original managed care organization prior to the merger or acquisition. Requires the Department to contract with an independent research organization to conduct a study and submit a report on those managed care organizations that are contracted to provide services to recipients. Requires the report to include an analysis of pharmacy access for medical assistance recipients with the aim of identifying “pharmacy deserts”; an analysis of the costs and benefits of having managed care organizations administer health care services, including pharmacy services, to recipients; and other matters. Prohibits the Department from entering into any new contract with a managed care organization before the report has been received and analyzed by the Department and posted on its website. Effective immediately.
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HB 684, Representative Robyn Gabel
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Exempts transportation services, including those transportation services provided by ground ambulance service providers, medi-car providers, service car providers, and taxi service providers, from the State’s managed care medical assistance program. Provides that these services shall continue to be paid under the State’s traditional fee-for-service program.
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HB 711, Representative Greg Harris
Creates the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Provides requirements concerning disclosure and review of prior authorization requirements, denial of claims or coverage by a utilization review organization, and the implementation of prior authorization requirements or restrictions. Provides requirements concerning a utilization review organization’s obligations with respect to prior authorizations in nonurgent circumstances, urgent health care services, and emergency health care services. Provides that a utilization review organization shall not require prior authorization under specified circumstances. Provides requirements concerning the length of prior authorizations. Provides that health care services are automatically deemed authorized if a utilization review organization fails to comply with the requirements of the Act. Provides that the Director of Insurance may impose an administrative fine not to exceed $250,000 for violations of the Act. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to change the definition of “emergency medical condition”. Amends the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act to provide that companies that transact accident and health insurance shall comply with specified requirements of the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide that all managed care organizations shall comply with the requirements of the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2022.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee
March 10, 2021, 8:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 219, Representative Jonathan Carroll
Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education governing time out and physical restraint in the public schools. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board to create a grant program for school districts and special education cooperatives and charter schools to implement school-wide, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and restorative practices. Allows the State Board to contract with a third party to provide assistance with oversight and monitoring, and requires the State Board to establish reduction goals and a system of ongoing review, auditing, and monitoring. Makes changes in provisions concerning a school board’s use of time out and physical restraint, including providing that isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint may be used only under certain circumstances, prohibiting the deprivation of necessities and prone, mechanical, and chemical restraint, and requiring a meeting with school personnel if requested by the parent or guardian, the provision of information to parents and guardians, and written procedures. Effective immediately.
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HB 290, Representative Maura Hirschauer
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Requires a school district to provide notification to the parent or guardian of a student with an individualized education program (IEP) that the student may be eligible to receive additional specified services, benefits, or resources. Provides that the written notification must be provided no later than 30 days following the implementation of the initial IEP and once a year thereafter. Effective immediately.
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HB 577, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the School Code. Makes changes to provisions regarding youth suicide awareness and prevention. Sets forth some of the characteristics of students at an increased risk of suicide. Effective immediately.
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House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter School Committee
March 10, 2021, 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 41, Representative Katie Stuart
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that prior to the placement of a child in an out-of-state special education residential facility, the school district, Illinois placing agency, or court must offer to the child or the child’s parent or guardian the option to place the child in a special education residential facility located within this State that provides treatment and services comparable to those provided by the out-of-state facility. Requires the school district, Illinois placing agency, or court to review annually the placement of a child in an out-of-state special education residential facility and to offer placement in a comparable facility located within this State. Effective immediately.
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HB 576, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. With respect to the exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirement, provides that absence for cause by illness shall include the mental or behavioral health of a student.
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HB 597, Representative Michael T. Marron
Amends the School Code. Requires school districts to provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and for the Crisis Text Line on the back of each student identification card issued by the school district. Provides that if the school district does not issue student identification cards to its students or to all of its students, the school district must publish this information on its website. Effective July 1, 2021.
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House Higher Education Committee
March 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 113, Representative Jonathan Carroll
Creates the Higher Education Mental Health Act. Provides for legislative findings and purposes. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish the Advisory Commission on Serving and Supporting Students with Mental Health Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Education; provides for the membership and meetings of the Commission. Requires the Commission to conduct a study and prepare reports for the Higher Education Committee of the House of Representatives and the Higher Education Committee of the Senate; specifies the report’s requirements. Provides that the Commission is dissolved on the day after it submits its final report. Repeals the Act on June 1, 2025.
- To read the full text of HB 113: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 113: Click
House Revenue & Finance Committee
March 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: FY 22 Revenue Estimates
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
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HB 137, Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin
Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption also applies to persons with a disability. Amends the State Mandates Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
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HB 191, Representative La Shawn K. Ford
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax checkoff for the Mental Health Income Tax Checkoff Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund may be used by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of making grants to providers of mental health services in the State. Effective immediately.
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HB 313, Representative Rita Mayfield
Amends the Property Tax Code. With respect to the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities, provides that the property is exempt from taxation if the person with a disability is 55 years of age or older at any point during the taxable year.
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HB 696, Representative Adam Niemerg
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the out-of-pocket costs incurred by a taxpayer during the taxable year for expenses associated with long-term care for the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s family member. Effective immediately.
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HB 779, Representative Patrick Windhorst
Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities carries over to the benefit of the veteran’s surviving spouse if the veteran resided outside of the State but otherwise qualified for the exemption at the time of his or her death and the surviving spouse relocates to Illinois after the death of the veteran. Effective immediately.
HB 864, Representative Joyce Mason
Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates an assessment freeze homestead exemption for persons with a disability. Sets forth the amount of the exemption. Provides that applicants must reapply on an annual basis. Effective immediately.
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House Mental Health & Addiction Committee
March 12 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 205, Representative Mary E. Flowers
Creates the Children’s Mental Health Local Integrated Fund Act. Creates local children’s mental health collaboratives. Defines “local children’s mental health collaborative” as an entity formed by the agreement of representatives of the local system of care, including mental health services, social services, correctional services, education services, health services, and vocational services for the purpose of developing and governing an integrated service system. Provides that, to qualify as a local children’s mental health collaborative and be eligible to receive start-up funds, the representatives of the local system of care and nongovernmental entities such as parents of children in the target population; parent and consumer organizations; community, civic, and religious organizations; private and nonprofit mental and physical health care providers; culturally specific organizations; local foundations; and businesses, or at a minimum one county, one school district or special education cooperative, one mental health entity, and one juvenile justice or corrections entity, must agree to the following: (1) to establish a local children’s mental health collaborative and develop an integrated service system; (2) to commit resources to providing services through the local children’s mental health collaborative; and (3) to develop a plan to contribute funds to the children’s mental health collaborative.
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HB 212, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the School Code to create the Mental Health Task Force for Communication, Intelligence, Empathy, Emotion, and Empowerment. Provides that the purpose of the task force is to explore and determine a method and program for all students in primary and secondary school to receive mandated mental health care. Sets forth the membership of the task force. Contains provisions concerning the intent of the program, the goals of mandated health care, and task force meetings, duties, and reporting. Repeals these provisions on January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.
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HB 213, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Eating Disorder Treatment Parity Task Force within the Department of Insurance to review reimbursement to eating disorder treatment providers in Illinois as well as out-of-state providers of similar services. Provides for the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall elect a chairperson from its membership and shall have the authority to determine its meeting schedule, hearing schedule, and agendas. Provides that appointments shall be made within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Task Force shall review insurance plans and rates and provide recommendations for rules, and the findings, recommendations, and other information determined by the Task Force to be relevant shall be made available on the Department’s website. Provides that the Task Force shall submit findings and recommendations to the Director of Insurance, the Governor, and the General Assembly by December 31, 2021. Provides for repeal of the provisions on January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.
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Senate Education Committee
March 9, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 517, Senator Meg Loughran Cappel
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Includes public therapeutics programs in the definition of “special educational facilities and services”. In a provision requiring a school district to pay the cost of tuition for special education and related services if a child attends a non-public school or special education facility, a public out-of-state school, or a special education facility owned and operated by a county government unit, provides that the special education and related services includes public therapeutics programs.
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SB 531, Senator Bill Cunningham
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that a student whose 22nd birthday occurs during the school year is eligible for special education services through the end of the regular school term (rather than being eligible for services only until the day before his or her 22nd birthday). Effective July 1, 2021.
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SB 559, Senator Laura Ellman
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Allows a private special education facility in this State that is a nonprofit entity and that provides special education services only to students who are referred to it by a public school district in this State to require tuition payments by a school district monthly prior to the provision of special education services in accordance with a student’s individualized education program for the period that the student is enrolled in the facility pursuant to a placement contract between the facility and the student’s school district. Provides that, at or before the end of each regular school term and each summer school term, the private special education facility shall refund to a school district any tuition funds collected by the facility for days that a student was not enrolled in the facility, and if, for any reason, the facility does not satisfy the requirements of the Article or any rules adopted by the State Board of Education regulating private special education facilities, then the State Board, at the request of the school district, may determine that the facility shall refund any tuition funds collected by the facility for days that it was determined by the State Board that the facility was in noncompliance with special education rules. Effective immediately.
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SB 634, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Requires an association or other entity that has as one of its purposes promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among schools and students within this State to allow a student for whom it is determined that special education services are needed under the School Code to participate in interscholastic athletics and other forms of athletic competition for as long as the student is eligible for such special education services, which, for purposes of the School Code, means through the day before the student’s 22nd birthday.
Senate Health Committee
March 9, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 142, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that drugs prescribed to residents of the following facilities are not subject to prior approval as a result of the 4-prescription limit: (i) long-term care facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act; (ii) community-integrated living arrangements as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act; (iii) supportive living facilities as defined in the Code; (iv) intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities as defined in the ID/DD Community Care Act; and (v) medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities as defined in the MC/DD Act.
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SB 346, Senator Julie A. Morrison
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that targeted dental services that are provided to adults and children under the Medical Assistance Program shall be established and paid at no less than the rates established under the State of Illinois Dental Benefit Schedule and shall include specified dental procedures. Sets forth the reimbursement rates for certain anesthesia services. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall administer and regulate a school-based dental program that allows for the out-of-office delivery of preventative dental services in a school setting to children under 19 years of age. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover charges incurred, and anesthetics provided, in conjunction with dental care that is provided in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical treatment center if the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance and the individual (1) has a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia for dental care or (2) is a person with a disability. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover charges incurred, and anesthetics provided by a dentist, in conjunction with dental care that is provided in a dental office or other specified setting if the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance and has been diagnosed with (i) an autism spectrum disorder or (ii) a developmental disability. Requires the Department to reimburse providers at no less than the rates established under the State of Illinois Dental Benefit Schedule used for State employees. Effective January 1, 2022.
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SB 478, Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. In provisions regarding the designation of distressed facilities, provides that the Department of Public Health shall, by rule, adopt criteria to identify facilities that are distressed and shall publish a list of identified facilities quarterly (rather than generate and publish quarterly a list of distressed facilities using specified criteria). Provides that no facility shall be identified as a distressed facility unless it has committed violations or deficiencies that have actually harmed residents. Removes language requiring the Department to complete a test run of any substitute criteria to determine their reliability by comparing the number of facilities identified as distressed against the number of distressed facilities generated.
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SB 545, Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Amends the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish a demonstration pilot program for crisis stabilization services for residents of facilities licensed under the Act. Provides that the pilot program shall be undertaken to prevent unnecessary inpatient hospitalization for behavioral health services. Provides that the licensure of crisis stabilization units by the Department of Public Health shall not be required in order for a facility to qualify for participation in the pilot program. Requires a facility to have had a contractual relationship with a Medicaid managed care organization for the delivery of crisis stabilization services on or before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the pilot program shall only be offered to individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans and reside in facilities that are participating in the pilot program. Requires a participating facility, in conjunction with the Medicaid managed care organization, to collect data including, but not limited to: patient diagnosis, required treatment, duration of stay, and cost of treatment. Requires the Department to collect the data from the facilities and compile a report that compares the costs of the pilot program to similar inpatient care for diagnosis. Provides that the rate for crisis stabilization services under the pilot program shall be negotiated but in no instance may it be less than 150% of the rate in effect for recovery and rehabilitation services. Provides that the pilot program shall have a 3-year duration and shall consist of no more than 40 beds. Effective July 1, 2021.
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Senate Judiciary Committee
March 9, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 80, Senator Jil Tracy
Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that, in a case regarding temporary guardianship, if no limited or plenary guardian has been appointed in a case regarding temporary guardianship, the court may grant an extension up to an additional 60 days or until a limited or plenary guardian has been appointed. Provides that the court may appoint separate individuals or entities or co-guardians to act as the guardian of the person and the guardian of the estate of a person with a disability under certain circumstances. Provides that a guardian is entitled to reasonable and appropriate fees, if certain conditions are met. Provides that fees awarded to a guardian shall be considered as a first-class claim for administrative expenses and paid from the guardianship estate from the decedent’s estate. Adds procedures regarding the succession of a new public guardian. Makes formatting changes in Sections concerning: definitions; statutory forms; short-term guardians; preliminary hearings; domestic violence orders of protection; sterilization of the ward; and notice of rights of the ward. Changes references to “best interest” to “best interests”. Amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. Provides that if an agent seeks guardianship of the principal, the petition for guardianship must delineate the specific powers to be granted to the guardian that are not already included in the power of attorney.
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Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
March 9, 2012, 5:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 270, Senator Michael Hastings
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that beginning July 1, 2021, all FDA approved prescription medications that are recognized by a generally accepted standard medical reference as effective in the treatment of conditions specified in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association must be covered under both fee-for-service and managed care medical assistance programs for persons who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance and shall not be subject to any (i) utilization control, (ii) prior authorization mandate, or (iii) lifetime restriction limit mandate. Effective July 1, 2021.
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SB 331, Senator Laura Fine
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Requires the Department on Aging to develop and implement a dementia training program that must include instruction on the identification of people with dementia, risks such as wandering, communication impairments, and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with people with dementia. Provides that training of at least 2 hours shall be completed at the start of employment with the Adult Protective Services division. Provides that the training shall cover the following subjects: (i) Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; (ii) safety risks; and (iii) communication and behavior. Requires persons who are employees of the Adult Protective Services division on the effective date of the amendatory Act to complete this training within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that annual continuing education shall include at least 2 hours of dementia training covering the same subjects discussed during initial training. Grants the Department rulemaking authority.
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SB 599, Senator Chapin Rose
Creates the Technology First Act. Creates the Technology First Council within the Department of Human Services to advise the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the use of supportive technology, instead of direct support staffing, as a solution for an individual who needs developmental disability services. Provides that the Council shall consist of the Secretary of Human Services and other members appointed by the Secretary, including one member who is a representative of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities; one member who is a representative of the Illinois Assistive Technology Program; one member who is the parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability and who has significant experience with the use of supportive technology; and 2 members representing service providers who have significant experience using supportive technology to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Requires the Council to make recommendations to develop State policy to encourage the use of supportive technology; identify and address areas in which sufficient support is not currently available or where additional options may be needed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to gain access to supportive technology; develop educational materials for providers, families, and others about how supportive technology can have a positive impact on the independence, skills, and abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities; and other duties. Requires the Council to submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly with its recommendations for the use of supportive technology for services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
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Senate State Government Committee
March 10, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 539, Senator Laura Fine
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that for purposes of the ABLE account program, a designated beneficiary means the ABLE account owner. Provides that upon the death of a designated beneficiary, proceeds from an account may be transferred pursuant to a payable on death account agreement. Provides that upon the death of a designated beneficiary, the State Treasurer may require verification that the funeral and burial expenses of the designated beneficiary have been paid. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.
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Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
March 12, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Eliminating Barriers to Mental Health and Addiction Care.
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
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NOTE: If you wish to take any action regarding any of these bills/issues, you may wish to file an electronic witness slip and/or or submit oral or written testimony to the committee holding the hearing and/or contact the members of the committee conducting the hearing and/or the legislators in your home district. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all legislators, both Representatives and Senators, can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website at: www.ilga.gov. You may check this website to find out if any of the committee hearing dates or times have been changed, which may happen upon very short notice. For additional information, please contact:
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SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, all committee hearings are being held remotely via the Internet.
- To view instructions regarding the remote hearing process and how to submit oral or written testimony in the HOUSE: Click
- To view instructions regarding the remote hearing process and how to submit oral or written testimony in the SENATE: Click
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For additional information, please contact:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-303-8543
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