LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
NOTE: Friday, May 14, 2021 is the deadline to pass substantive House bills out of committee in the Senate and substantive Senate bills out of committee in the House.
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 May 10, 2021:
House Insurance Committee
May 11, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 471, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Sets forth provisions concerning timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Provides that network adequacy standards for timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions must satisfy specified minimum requirements. Provides that if there is no in-network facility or provider available for an insured to receive timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions in accordance with the minimum network adequacy standards, the insurer shall provide necessary exceptions to its network to ensure admission and treatment with a provider or at a treatment facility in accordance with those network adequacy standards. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the medical assistance program shall be subject to provisions of the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act concerning timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. In provisions concerning network adequacy and transparency, provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall require managed care organizations to comply with provisions of the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act concerning timely and proximate access to treatment for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Effective immediately.
House Health Care Accessibility & Availability Committee
May 11, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 500, Representative Thomas M. Bennett
Amends the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act. Deletes language providing that no hospital, physician and surgeon, procurement organization, or other person shall determine the ultimate recipient of an anatomical gift based upon a potential recipient’s physical or mental disability, except to the extent that the physical or mental disability has been found by a physician and surgeon, following a case-by-case evaluation of the potential recipient, to be medically significant to the provision of the anatomical gift. Provides that a hospital, physician and surgeon, procurement organization, or other person shall not, solely on the basis of an individual’s mental or physical disability, if an individual has the necessary support system to assist the individual in complying with posttransplant medical requirements, consider the individual’s inability to independently comply with posttransplant medical requirements to be medically significant. Provides that a hospital, physician and surgeon, procurement organization, or other person may take an individual’s disability into account when making treatment or coverage recommendations or decisions solely to the extent that the physical or mental disability has been found by a physician or surgeon, following an individualized evaluation of the potential recipient, to be medically significant to the provision of the anatomical gift. Provides instead that a covered entity shall comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations in making reasonable modifications to its policies or procedures in response to a request from an individual with disabilities regarding access to transplantation-related services. Adds a definition for “covered entity”.
House Judiciary-Criminal Committee
May 11, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 2249, Representative Lance Yednock
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall not make possession of a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card a condition of continued employment as a correctional officer if the correctional officer’s Firearm Owner’s Identification Card is revoked or seized because the correctional officer has been a patient of a mental health facility and the correctional officer has not been determined to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or others as determined by a physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner. Provides that nothing in the new provisions shall otherwise impair the Department’s ability to determine a correctional officer’s fitness for duty. Provides that a collective bargaining agreement already in effect on this issue on the effective date of the amendatory Act cannot be modified, but on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department cannot require a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card as a condition of continued employment in a collective bargaining agreement. Provides that the Department shall document if and why a correctional officer has been determined to pose a clear and present danger. Defines “mental health facility” and “qualified examiner”.
SB 2364, Representative Justin Slaughter
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a defendant charged with one or more misdemeanors and for whom a court has determined under the Code that a bona fide doubt of the defendant’s fitness has been raised may be admitted into an unfit misdemeanant diversion program only upon the approval of the court. Provides that the court shall require an eligibility screening and an assessment of the defendant to determine whether the defendant may be able to receive mental health services under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code which shall reasonably assure her or his safety and that of the public and her or his continued participation in treatment. Provides that if, following this screening, the court determines that the defendant is appropriate for diversion, the criminal charges may be dismissed with or without prejudice. Provides that the misdemeanant diversion program may maintain or collaborate with mental health and substance use treatment providers necessary to provide a continuum of treatment options commensurate with the needs of the defendant and available resources. Makes other changes.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee
May 12, 2021, 8:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 1169, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code in provisions concerning transition services. Makes changes relating to the definition of terms. Provides that, as a component of transition planning, a school district shall provide a student with information about the school district’s career and technical education (CTE) opportunities; sets forth what the CTE information must include. Provides that a student in high school with an individualized education program may enroll in the school district’s CTE program at any time if participation in a CTE program is consistent with the student’s transition goals. Makes changes concerning the participants in the transition planning process. Effective immediately.
House Human Services Committee
May 12, 2021, 8:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 100, Representative Bob Morgan
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a person who uses Medicaid spend-down to qualify for medical assistance shall be provided up to 6 consecutive months to submit and have medical receipts and bills processed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services as evidence of payment of the person’s monthly spend-down amount before becoming ineligible for medical assistance. Effective immediately.
SB 700, 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.
SB 701, Representative Katie Stuart
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Expands the scope of the Act to include reports of abandonment. Requires the Department on Aging to offer, subject to appropriations, an annual trauma-informed training program that includes instruction on how trauma impacts caseworkers and other employees who respond to and prevent adult abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. Requires the Department to develop and implement a demonstration project to allow for the use of a risk assessment tool to assist in identifying elderly persons who may be experiencing elder abuse, abandonment, neglect, or exploitation. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a prosecution for theft by deception of a victim age 60 or older or a person with a disability may be commenced within 7 years of the last act committed in furtherance of the crime. Concerning the offense of financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability, expands the scope of “person who stands in a position of trust and confidence” to include a friend or acquaintance of the elderly person or person with a disability who is in a position of trust.
SB 1096, Representative Greg Harris
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a health plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall provide coverage of diagnostic testing for enrollees that is performed by a testing provider in accordance with specified federal and State COVID-19 testing requirements, and that diagnostic testing for enrollees shall be considered medically necessary. Provides that a health plan may inquire as to whether an enrollee is an employee of the long-term care facility but shall not require further evidence or verification of the enrollee’s employment status. Provides that the coverage requirements set forth in the provisions shall only apply when specified federal and State testing requirements are in effect. Provides that any failure to provide coverage of diagnostic testing pursuant to the provisions shall be deemed a failure to substantially comply with this Code. Provides that the provisions are repealed on January 1, 2022. Defines terms. Makes corresponding changes in the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Repeals the COVID-19 Medically Necessary Diagnostic Testing Act.
SB 1575, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall create and maintain an online database and resource page on its website. Provides that the database and resource page shall contain mental health resources specifically geared toward first responders with the goal of connecting those persons with mental health resources related to crisis services, wellness, trauma information, nutrition, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, violence prevention, suicide prevention, and substance use and of encouraging information sharing among families of first responders, first responder organizations, first responder professional organizations, and first responders. Effective immediately.
SB 1977, Representative Suzanne Ness
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for all available federal funding to promote community inclusion and integration for persons with disabilities, regardless of age, and older adults so that those persons have the option to transition out of institutions and receive long-term care services and supports in the settings of their choice. Effective immediately.
SB 2133, Representative Greg Harris
If and only if House Bill 2170 of the 101st General Assembly becomes law, amends the Data Governance and Organization to Support Equity and Racial Justice Act to include, in addition to race and ethnicity, the demographic categories of age, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity to the categories of data that must be reported. Varied effective date.
SB 2137, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require each long-term care facility to adopt and implement written policies, provide for the availability of technology to facility residents, and ensure that appropriate staff and other capabilities are in place to prevent the social isolation of facility residents. Contains specified requirements for the social isolation prevention policies. Provides that the social isolation prevention policies shall not be interpreted as a substitute for in person visitation, but shall be wholly in addition to the existing in person visitation policies. Provides that a resident’s individualized visitation plan shall give priority to the resident’s preferences over the preferences of the resident’s representative. Provides that the Department may distribute civil monetary penalty funds, as approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and any other available federal and State funds, upon request, to facilities for communicative technologies and accessories needed for the purposes of the provisions. Provides that whenever the Department an annual licensure and certification survey, when a complaint is received, or as frequently as may be necessary, the Department shall determine whether the long-term facility is in compliance with the provisions and the policies, protocols, and procedures adopted pursuant to the provisions. Provides that a noncompliant long-term care facility shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty as a Type “C” violation. Provides that implementation of an administrative penalty as a Type “C” violation under the provisions shall not be imposed prior to January 1, 2023. Requires the Department to adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions within 60 days after the amendatory Act’s effective date (and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act). Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.
SB 2265, Representative Norine K. Hammond
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. In provisions requiring the Department of Public
Health to adopt a protocol specifying how informed consent for psychotropic medication may be obtained or refused that requires a discussion between the resident or the resident’s surrogate decision maker and the resident’s physician, a registered pharmacist, or a licensed nurse about the possible risks and benefits of a recommended medication and the use of standardized consent forms designated by the Department, (i) removes language prohibiting the registered pharmacist from being a dispensing pharmacist for the facility where the resident lives and (ii) specifies that a licensed nurse includes a licensed practical nurse. Provides that specified forms shall be designated (rather than developed) by the Department and may be able to be downloaded from a website designated by the Department (other than the Department’s official website). Provides that the maximum possible period for informed consent shall be until a change in the prescription occurs as to the change in the type of psychotropic medication or an increase in dosage (rather than a change in dosage), unless the physician’s order for which informed consent was given provides for an increase in dosage. Effective immediately.
SB 2323, HCA 1 Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit
Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Prohibits the use of restraints on youth in care, including chemical, manual, and mechanical restraints, during the provision of any transportation services provided or arranged by the Department of Children and Family Services or its contractual assigns. Provides that any known, alleged, or suspected violation of the prohibition shall immediately be reported to the Department’s Office of the Inspector General, the court presiding over the youth’s case in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and the youth’s attorney and guardian ad litem. Requires the Department to make a significant events report for any known, alleged, or suspected violation of the prohibition. Sets forth a list of circumstances that require the Department to prepare a written individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plan for any youth in care. Requires the Department to obtain court approval of the transportation plan in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 as well as written approval of the transportation plan from the Department’s Chief Deputy Director and the Chief Deputy Director of its Clinical Division. Contains provisions concerning information that must be included in a written individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plan; and Department reporting requirements. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Requires the Department to ensure the provision of trauma-sensitive transport to minors placed in its care. Contains provisions concerning factors a court must consider when determining whether to approve an individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plan submitted by the Department. Provides that for youth who are psychiatrically hospitalized, discharge and placement planning shall begin from the moment of admission, including developing the transportation plan required under the amendatory Act and seeking court approval as necessary. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of SB 2323: Click
- To read the text of HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 2323: Click
House Judiciary-Civil Committee
May 12, 2021, 8:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 80, Terra Costa Howard
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. Provides that a petitioner who seeks to revoke or construe a power of attorney for the alleged person with a disability, or review the agent’s conduct, shall do so in conformity with the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, and as set forth in specified provisions of the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that the right to ask for the appointment of a limited guardian be stated in the summons that is served to the respondent. Provides that one person or agency may be appointed a limited or plenary guardian of the person and another person or corporate trustee appointed as a limited or plenary guardian of the estate. Provides that, upon the death of the ward, fees and costs awarded shall be considered as a first-class claim for administrative expenses and may be paid from the guardianship estate or from the decedent’s estate. Includes additional final fees and costs relating to guardianship, as determined by the court, as first-class claims against a decedent’s estate.
House Health Care Licenses Committee
May 12, 2021, 9:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 677, Representative Kathleen A. Willis
Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that for license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2023, a health care professional who has continuing education requirements must complete at least a one-hour course in training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias per renewal period. Provides that the training shall include, but not be limited to, assessment and diagnosis, effective communication strategies, and management and care planning. Provides that the requirement shall only apply to health care professionals who provide health care services to, and have direct patient interactions adult populations age 26 or older in the practice of their profession. Provides that a health care professional may count that one hour for completion of the course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education. Provides that any training on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias applied to meet any other State licensure requirement, professional accreditation or certification requirement, or health care institutional practice agreement may count toward the continuing education requirement. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may adopt rules for the implementation of the continuing education requirement. Effective immediately.
SB 693, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that when a patient has been determined by EMS personnel to (1) have no immediate life-threatening injuries or illness, (2) not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, (3) have no immediate or obvious need for transport to an emergency department, and (4) have an immediate need for transport to an EMS System-approved mental health facility, the EMS personnel that EMS personnel may transport a patient to an EMS System-approved urgent care or immediate care facility that meets the proper criteria and is approved by Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communications Registered Nurse.
House Executive Committee
May 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 346, Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. 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 Department shall establish, by rule, guidelines for participation by providers and set requirements for follow-up referral care based on the requirements established in the Dental Office Reference Manual published by the Department that establishes the requirements for dentists participating in the All Kids Dental School Program. Provides that every effort shall be made by the Department when developing the program requirements to consider the different geographic differences of both urban and rural areas of the State for initial treatment and necessary follow-up care. Provides that no provider shall be charged a fee by any unit of local government to participate in the school-based dental program administered by the Department. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to limit or preempt a home rule unit’s or school district’s authority to establish, change, or administer a school-based dental program in addition to, or independent of, the school-based dental program administered by the Department. Effective January 1, 2022.
House State Government Administration Committee
May 12, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HR 60, Representative Jehan Gordon Booth
Recognizes the importance, effectiveness, and need for trauma-informed care among existing programs and agencies in the State of Illinois and expresses support for the establishment of such care.
House Mental Health & Addiction Committee
May 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 347, Representative Barbara Hernandez
Creates the Mind Strong Act. Requires the Department of Public Health, or a third party contractor with experience in successful public education and awareness campaigns selected by the Department of Public Health, to develop and lead a 2-year educational campaign within each of Illinois’ 11 health regions on the availability of adult mobile crisis response services within each region and how to access such services. Requires the Department to develop and implement this public awareness and educational campaign in collaboration with community stakeholders, including certain organizations, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Human Services. Requires the public awareness campaign to begin no later than January 1, 2022 and to take into account crisis services, if any. Sets forth certain requirements for the public awareness campaign, including that it be culturally competent and that any written materials be written in plain, easy-to-understand language and available in multiple languages that are representative of the communities in a particular health region. Lists the types of stakeholders that shall be included as partner-stakeholders in the development of the campaign. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish, subject to appropriation, a grant program for the purposes of providing adult mobile crisis response services to any adult age 18 or older experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis regardless of insurance status. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop and implement training and protocols for individuals answering crisis calls to the Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line. Contains provisions concerning the use of data to strengthen CARES line responses and adult mobile crisis response services, and other matters. Requires the Departments of Public Health, Human Services, and Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules to implement the Act. Effective immediately.
SB 1970, HCA 1, Representative Jennifer Gong Hershowitz
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Requires a mental health facility to accept information from the recipient’s family and friends concerning the recipient’s treatment for mental illness. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Allows certain individuals to obtain specified information pertaining to a recipient of mental health facility care if the individual resides with the recipient or is paying for the recipient’s care. Provides that an individual who receives the information shall not redisclose the information except as necessary to provide for the recipient’s care or payment for the recipients care. Provides that the information shall be excluded from evidence in a proceeding, except for specified purposes. Provides that if access or modification of the information is requested, the request, the grounds for its acceptance or denial, and any action taken thereon shall be noted in the recipient’s record.
- To read the full text of SB 1970: Click
- To read the text of SB 1970, HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 1970: Click
SB 2312, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends a provision of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act concerning the deceptive marketing, advertising, and sale of mental health disorder and substance use disorder treatment. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any person to solicit, offer, or enter into an arrangement under which a patient seeking mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment is referred to a mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment program or facility in exchange for a fee or any other remuneration. Provides that it is not an unlawful practice for programs and facilities to enter into personal services agreements or management services agreements with third parties that do not take into account the volume or value of referrals. Provides that it is not an unlawful practice for programs or facilities to provide discounts for treatment services to clients as long as the discount is based on financial necessity in accordance with the program’s or facility’s charity care plan, regardless of referral source or reason. Provides that compensation paid by programs or facilities to their employees and independent contractors related to identifying, locating, and securing referrals to that program or facility is not an unlawful practice if the amount of compensation provided to the employee or independent contractor does not vary based upon the volume or value of such referrals. Effective immediately.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing and Charters Committee
May 13, 2021, 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 1577, 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 for up to 5 days for which the child need not provide a medical note, in which case the child shall be given the opportunity to make up any school work missed during the mental or behavioral health absence.
SB 2109, Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit
Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning a school board member’s leadership training, requires that professional development leadership training cover trauma-informed practices for students and staff beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Sets forth what the training must include and who may provide the training. Allows the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement and administer the provisions concerning a school board member’s leadership training. In provisions relating to in-service training programs for licensed school personnel and administrators, requires training to identify the warning signs of trauma. Provides for training regarding the adoption and administration of a trauma-informed school standard. Sets forth the information that may be provided in a course of instruction. Effective immediately.
Senate Education Committee
May 11, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 40, 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 school year (rather than being eligible for services only until the day before his or her 22nd birthday). Effective immediately.
HB 41, Senator Doris Turner
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 refer 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 refer placement in a comparable facility located within this State. Effective immediately.
HB 290, Senator Karina Villa
Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database, requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, through school districts, to provide to parents and guardians of students a copy of the Department of Human Services’s guide titled “Understanding PUNS: A Guide to Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services” each year at the annual review meeting for the student’s individualized education program (rather than requiring the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to inform parents and guardians of students through school districts about the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services waiting list). Effective immediately.
HB 2425, Senator David Koehler
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that complaints concerning delays and denials of special education services in the 2016-2017 or 2017-2018 school year by the Chicago school district as a result of the adoption of policies and procedures identified by the State Board of Education as unlawful must be filed on or before September 30, 2022 (rather than September 30, 2021). Effective immediately.
HB 2748, Senator David Koehler
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that eligible students who reached or will reach their 22nd birthday between March 17, 2020 and the end of the 2021-2022 school year shall be afforded the option of extending the student’s eligibility through the end of the 2021-2022 school year to provide the student with an opportunity to participate in post-secondary transition activities and services and pursue the goals under the student’s most recent individualized education program. Sets forth provisions regarding the extension of eligibility. Requires each school district to provide written notification of options to each student to whom these provisions apply or to the student’s guardian or designated representative within 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Sets forth the written notification form. Effective immediately.
Senate Health Committee
May 11, 2021, 3:30 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 452, Senator Julie A. Morrison
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. Further amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act by removing a requirement that the Department of Human Services submit an annual report on vocational training programs and services to be filed with the Governor and the General Assembly on or before March 30 each year. Further amends the School Code. Provides that if a child is deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired or has an orthopedic impairment or physical disability (rather than is diagnosed with an orthopedic impairment or physical disability) and the child might be eligible to receive services from the Illinois School for the Deaf, the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, or the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Roosevelt, the school district shall notify the parents, in writing, of the existence of these schools and the services they provide. 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.
HB 684, Senator Ram Villivalam
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Exempts ground ambulance services 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.
HB 1776, Senator Ann Gillespie
Provides that if and only if Senate Bill 1510 of the 101st General Assembly becomes law, then the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by making a provision that concerns the DCFS per diem rates for inpatient psychiatric stays operative through July 1, 2023 (rather than through June 30, 2021). Adds hospitals with a pediatric or adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit to the type of hospitals that the Department of Children and Family Services is required to pay the DCFS per diem rate for inpatient psychiatric stays. Effective immediately or on the date Senate Bill 1510 of the 101st General Assembly takes effect, whichever is later.
- To read the full text of HB 1776: Click
- To read the full text of SB 1510: Click (Note: SB 1510 was enacted
on 3-12-21 as P.A. 101-655)
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 1776: Click
HB 2433, Senator Melinda Bush
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. In provisions concerning the Long-Term Care
Facility Advisory Board, adds one member representing local health departments who is a nonvoting member. In provisions concerning complaints for violations of the Act or a rule, provides that the Department of Public Health’s annual review and report concerning the complaint process must include substantiated complaints that were completed in a specified time frame. Requires the report to be provided to the General Assembly (in addition to the Long-Term Care Facility Advisory Board and the Illinois Long-Term Care Council). Effective immediately.
HB 3025, Senator Laura Fine
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall reimburse epilepsy specialists, as defined by the Department by rule, who are authorized by Illinois law to provide epilepsy treatment services to persons with epilepsy or related disorders via telehealth. Provides that the Department shall establish, by rule, a method to reimburse providers for epilepsy treatment services provided by telehealth. Effective immediately.
HB 3147, Senator Thomas Cullerton
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that, upon request, a facility shall make every reasonable effort to facilitate at least one phone call or video call between a resident and a single family member of the resident each day during a disaster declared by the Governor under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, unless doing so could pose a danger to residents or staff or redirect resources away from direct resident care and protection. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that during a pandemic or other public health emergency, a hospital licensed under the Act shall develop and implement a contact policy to encourage patients’ ability to engage with family members throughout the duration of the pandemic or other public health emergency, including through the use of phone calls, videos calls, or other electronic mechanism. Effective immediately.
Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
May 11, 2021, 5:30 p.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 1805, Senator Patricia Van Pelt
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall permanently establish the Call4Calm text line to support Illinois residents’ mental health needs. Provides that an Illinois resident shall be able to utilize the Call4Calm text line if the resident or someone the resident knows is struggling with stress and needs emotional support. Provides that the service shall be free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provides that callers seeking assistance shall remain anonymous and shall be linked to a mental health provider that is responsible for the provision of mental health services in the caller’s geographic area. Effective immediately.
Senate Executive Committee
May 12, 2021, 2:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 1710, Senator Laura Fine
Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Requires the Superintendent of the Illinois School for the Deaf to have a degree in educational administration, together with at least 10 years of experience in either deaf or hard of hearing education, the administration of deaf or hard of hearing education, or a combination of the 2 (rather than degrees in both educational administration and deaf education, together with at least 15 years of experience in either deaf education, the administration of deaf education, or a combination of the 2). Requires the Superintendent of the Illinois School of the Visually Impaired to have a degree in educational administration, together with at least 10 years of experience in either blind or visually impaired education, or a combination of the 2 (rather than degrees in both educational administration and blind and visually impaired education, the administration of blind or visually impaired education, or a combination of the 2). Effective immediately.
Senate State Government Committee
May 12, 2:00 p.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 1836, 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.
Senate Insurance Committee
May 12, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 2595, Senator Laura Fine
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that every insurer that amends, delivers, issues, or renews a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a qualified health plan offered through the health insurance marketplace in the State and Medicaid managed care organizations providing coverage for hospital or medical treatment shall provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Provides that an insurer shall not limit benefits or coverage for medically necessary services on the basis that those services should be or could be covered by a public program. Provides that an insurer shall not set a specific limit on the duration of benefits or coverage of medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions or limit coverage only to alleviation of the insured’s current symptoms. Provides that nothing shall require the insurer to cover a treatment when the authorization was granted based on a material misrepresentation by the insured, the policyholder, or the provider. Provides that an insurer may apply specified utilization review criteria to health care services and benefits for mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions that are outside the scope of specified criteria and guidelines or relate to advancements in technology or types of care that are not covered in the most recent versions of specified sources. Provides that an insurer shall base any medical necessity determination or the utilization review criteria on current generally accepted standards of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition care. Provides that in conducting utilization review of covered health care services and benefits for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions in children, adolescents, and adults, an insurer shall exclusively apply the criteria and guidelines set forth in the most recent versions of the treatment criteria developed by the nonprofit professional association for the relevant clinical specialty. Provides that an insurer shall not apply different, additional, conflicting, or more restrictive utilization review criteria than the criteria and guidelines set forth in the treatment criteria. Provides that the Director may, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, assess a civil penalty between $1,000 and $5,000 for each violation. Amends the Health Carrier External Review Act. Provides that independent review organization shall comply with specified requirements for an adverse determination or final adverse determination involving mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2022..
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
May 14, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
or
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
Subject Matter On: IDHS Office of the Inspector General’s Investigation on the LaSalle Veterans’ Home.
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, 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
For additional information, please contact:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-303-8543
