Good morning, Healthcare Council.  We are just over one week out from the Illinois Primary Election.  The House is off for the next four weeks, but the Senate convenes tomorrow.  On to the update!

 

Governor to Sign Hospital Assessment Today

At 11 am today at the Thompson Center Governor Bruce Rauner will join with Illinois Healthcare and Family Services Director Felicia Norwood, legislators and the Illinois Health & Hospital Association to sign SB1773, the recently passed redesign of the Illinois hospital assessment.  SB1573 also will be signed.  The next step will be seeking federal approval of the new assessment regime.  This is an incredibly important measure that brings in billions of dollars for Medicaid services.

 

Last Week in Review

With only the House is session, it was a fairly quiet week in Springfield.  A few items of note:

 

The Chamber testified against HB5464 in the House Mental Health Committee last Thursday, which is Rep. Feigenholtz' legislation that would mandate unlimited behavioral health insurance benefits and prohibit utilization review and prior authorization for behavioral health services for the first 180 days of a plan year (something that would make health insurance much less affordable).  The legislation passed out of committee on a near party-line vote (Rep. Steve Andersson was the lone Republican to vote for the bill), but Rep. Feigenholtz committed to having meetings on the legislation with stakeholders and told the committee she would be back at some point with an amendment.  The Chamber intends to participate in those meetings moving forward.

 

HB4146, Rep. Fine's frozen drug formulary was kicked out of the Rules Committee and assigned to House Insurance: Health and Life.  An amendment was filed that would add interchangeable biosimilars to the automatic pharmacist substitution language in the bill.  The Chamber continues to oppose as the bill prohibits tiering changes that are necessary to incentivize consumer adoption of less costly pharmaceutical options.

 

HB4595, Rep. Fine's Illinois Employers Mutual Insurance Company bill passed out of the House Labor Committee on a party-line vote. The Chamber opposes.

 

Senate Committees This Week

As always, please let me know if you are taking a position on any bills posted for committees, or if the Chamber can be of assistance.

 

Senate Appropriations I Committee

Date:                          March 13, 2018 - 9:00 AM

Location:                  212 - Capitol - - Springfield, IL

Subject Matter:      Subject Matter On: Testimony from DHFS and Advocates on FY 19 Budget Request for Department of Healthcare and Family Services- SB 3330, SB 3330

 

Senate Public Health Committee

Date:                          March 13, 2018 - 1:30 PM

Location:                  400 - Capitol - - Springfield, IL

 

SB 0272 (SFA 0002) - T. Cullerton - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the State Facility Water Management Plan Act. Requires a Veterans Home under the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act, a correctional institution or facility under the Unified Code of Corrections and specified facilities under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code to develop a specified water management plan for potable water systems at each facility by January 1, 2019.

 

SB2232 - Koehler - Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Provides that harm or potential harm to the residents of a long term care facility constitutes a disaster under the Act.

 

SB2334 - Murphy - Mandates metal detectors at all non-ambulance hospital entrances.  Chamber opposes.        

 

SB2442 - Mulroe - Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require every provider of mammography services to, if a patient's mammogram demonstrates dense breast tissue, provide notification to the patient in any summary of the mammography report sent to the patient pursuant to the federal Mammography Quality Standards Act that shall include, but not be limited to, certain information.

 

SB2524 - Rose - Requires the Department of Public Health and Illinois Emergency Management Agency to collaborate to review and recommend new State laws for the disposal of unused antibiotics. Provides that the Department and Agency shall submit the recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2020.

 

SB2827 - 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: long-term care facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act; community-integrated living arrangements as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act; and supportive living facilities as defined in the Code.

 

SB2889 - Rose - Creates the Epinephrine Administration Act. Provides that a health care practitioner may prescribe epinephrine pre-filled syringes in the name of an authorized entity where allergens capable of causing anaphylaxis may be present. Provides that an authorized entity may acquire and stock a supply of undesignated epinephrine pre-filled syringes provided the undesignated epinephrine pre-filled syringes are stored in a specified location. Requires each employee, agent, or other individual of the authorized entity to complete a specified training program before using a pre-filled syringe to administer epinephrine. Provides that a trained employee, agent, or other individual of the authorized entity may either provide or administer an epinephrine pre-filled syringe to a person whom the employee, agent, or other individual believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis. Provides that training under the Act shall be valid for 2 years. Requires the Department of Public Health to approve training programs, to list the approved programs on the Department's website, and to include links to training providers' websites on the Department's website. Contains provisions concerning costs, limitations, and rulemaking. Defines terms. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning epinephrine administration, provides that epinephrine may be administered with a pre-filled syringe. Makes conforming changes.

 

SB2913 - Mulroe - Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires long-term care providers to submit all changes in resident status, including, but not limited to, death, discharge, changes in patient credit, third party liability, and Medicare coverage to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services through the Medical Electronic Data Interchange System, the Recipient Eligibility Verification System, or the Electronic Data Interchange System under a specified schedule. Requires the Department and other agencies to establish an expedited long-term care eligibility determination and enrollment system

 

SB2996 - Collins - Lead poisoning shell with SA1 filed.

 

SB3080 - Steans - Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall by rule establish a comprehensive low-income water assistance policy and program. Contains various provisions concerning the policy and program. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Adds requirements related to billing statements and reconnection of service for water and sewer utilities. Provides that upon request by a water utility, the Illinois Commerce Commission may allow, but may not require, a water utility to establish a customer assistance program. Provides that an entity subject to certain federal laws that serves or provides water or sewer services to a specified number of people shall conduct a cost of service study every 5 years. Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that within one year of the effective date of the amendatory Act, every community water system shall create a plan to remove all known lead service lines within 10 years from the completion of the plan. Requires each community water system to implement an asset management plan designed to inspect, maintain, repair, and renew its infrastructure within 18 months of the effective date of the amendatory Act. Requires the Department of Public Health to adopt rules for lead replacement that require an expedited timeline for high risk facilities and communities within 18 months of the effective date of the amendatory Act. Creates the Statewide Advisory Council on Lead in Drinking Water and requires specified community water supplies to create water system advisory councils tasked with various duties related to lead in drinking water awareness. Makes other changes.

 

SB3290 - Koehler - Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Changes the heading of Article V-F to the Nursing Home Residents' Managed Care Rights Law (rather than the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) Nursing Home Residents' Managed Care Rights Law). Expands the scope of the Article to apply to policies and contracts for the nursing home component of any Medicaid managed care program established by statute, rule, or contract, including, but not limited to, the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative Program, the Integrated Care Program, the HealthChoices Program, the Managed Long-Term Services and Support Program, and any and all successor programs.

 

SB3532 - Rose - Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Sepsis Review Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall study sepsis early intervention and the prevention of loss of life from sepsis.

 

SR1301 - SFA1 - Murphy - Designates May 24 as Lyme Disease Awareness Day.

 

SR1397 - Rose - ANTIBIOTICS DISPOSAL-SUPERBUGS   

 

SR1419 - Lightford - ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

 

HB2984 - Cunningham - health care worker influenza vaccine exceptions.

 

Senate Human Services Committee

Date:                          March 13, 2018 - 3:15 PM

Location:                  409 - Capitol - - Springfield, IL

 

SB1628 - Martinez - Community Care Program Medicaid Initiative.

 

SB2429 - Aquino - Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide dental services to an adult who is otherwise eligible for assistance under the medical assistance program.

 

SB2491 - Syverson - Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a licensed dental hygienist working under the supervision of a dentist and employed by a federally qualified health center shall be reimbursed for dental services provided to medical assistance recipients at the federally qualified health center's encounter rate. Effective immediately.

 

SB2834 - Syverson - Amends the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Substance Use Disorder Act. Removes the terms "addict", "addiction", "alcoholic", "alcoholism", and "substance abuse" and their corresponding definitions. Requires the Department of Human Services to reduce the incidence of substance use disorders (rather than reduce the incidence and consequences of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs). Defines "substance use disorder". Requires the Department to design, coordinate, and fund prevention, early intervention, treatment, and other recovery support services for substance use disorders that are accessible and address the needs of at-risk individuals and their families. Requires the Department to develop a comprehensive plan on the provision of such services; assist other State agencies in developing and establishing substance use disorder services for the agencies' clients; adopt medical and clinical standards on how to determine a substance use disorder diagnosis; and other matters. Contains provisions concerning the licensing of substance use disorder treatment providers; licensure categories and services; the identification of individuals who need substance use disorder treatment using "SBIRT"; patients' rights; services for pregnant women, mothers, and criminal justice clients; and other matters. Repeals a provision of the Act establishing the Committee on Women's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment. Repeals a provision of the Act setting forth the powers and duties of the Medical Advisory Committee. Makes conforming changes concerning the Substance Use Disorder Act to several Acts including the Department of Human Services Act, the Children and Family Services Act, and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Effective January 1, 2019.

 

SB2839 - Syverson - Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall not adopt any rule or enter into any contract that prohibits reimbursement under the medical assistance program to an eligible clinic for a dental encounter for services performed by an individual licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene under the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Effective immediately.

 

SB2865 - Steans - Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall progressively increase rates and reimbursements so that by July 1, 2018 direct support persons earn a base wage of not less than $5.25 per hour above the highest of the federal, State, county, or municipal minimum wages, and so that other front-line personnel earn a commensurate wage, and by July 1, 2020 direct support persons earn a base wage of not less than $6.75 per hour above the highest of the federal, State, county, or municipal minimum wages. Effective immediately.

 

SB2903 - McConnaughay - Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act. Requires the Secretary of State to issue standard Illinois Identification Cards and limited-term Illinois Identification Cards to persons upon conditional release or absolute discharge from the custody of the Department of Human Services with specified requirements. Provides the fee requirement for issuance of standard Illinois Identification Cards and limited-term Illinois Identification Cards. Effective January 1, 2019.

 

SB2951 - Bush - Creates the Early Mental Health and Addictions Treatment Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and other specified agencies and entities, to develop a pilot program under which a qualifying adolescent or young adult may receive community-based mental health treatment from a youth-focused community support team for early treatment that is specifically tailored to the needs of youth and young adults in the early stages of a serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness.

 

SB3023 - Bush - Creates the Community-Law Enforcement Partnership for Deflection and Addiction Treatment Act. Allows a law enforcement agency to establish a program to facilitate contact between a person and a licensed substance abuse treatment provider for assessment and coordination of treatment. Requires the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, in conjunction with a Police Chief's Association and Department of Human Services to develop the type of data to collect and measure performance of program. Provides for civil liability immunity and eligibility for funding.

 

SB3048 - Manar - Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that whenever the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or a managed care organization under contract with the Department authorizes the purchase of durable medical equipment, the Department or managed care organization may require a medical assistance recipient to purchase used or refurbished durable medical equipment, if used or refurbished medical equipment: (i) is available; (ii) is less expensive, including shipping costs, than new durable medical equipment of the same type; (iii) is able to withstand at least 3 years of use; and (iv) equally meets the needs of the recipient. Effective immediately.

 

SB3049 - Manar - Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to reimburse psychiatrists, federally qualified health centers as defined in the Social Security Act, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, advanced practice registered nurses certified in psychiatric and mental health nursing, and mental health professionals and clinicians authorized by Illinois law to provide mental health services to recipients via telehealth (rather than psychiatrists and federally qualified health centers). Requires the Department to reimburse any Medicaid certified eligible facility or provider organization that acts as the location of the patient at the time a telehealth service is rendered, including substance abuse centers licensed by the Department of Human Services' Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

 

SB3075 - Hastings - Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2018, and quarterly thereafter, the Department of Human Services shall submit to the General Assembly a written report providing, at minimum, for each State-operated mental health center and State-operated developmental center: (1) the number of employees; (2) the number of patient or resident initiated workplace violence incidents which occurred, including the number which were a direct assault on staff and the number which were a violent incident to which staff responded; (3) the number of employees impacted in each incident; and (4) the rate of workplace violence that quarter expressed as total number of employees impacted to total number of employees. Effective immediately.

 

SB3076 - McCann - Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that as the Department of Human Services establishes reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for front-line personnel in programs serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Department shall include rates for therapeutic schools and other programs serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Defines "front-line personnel". Effective immediately.

 

SB3077 - McCann - Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that in determining the assets of an individual applying for medical assistance, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall disregard the cash value of a life insurance policy or prepaid funeral and burial contract or the equity value of any other assets which are intended to be used to pay the funeral and burial expenses of the individual. Provides that if the asset disregard requires federal approval, the Department shall submit the necessary application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver or State Plan amendment to implement the asset disregard. Provides that implementation of the asset disregard shall be contingent on federal approval of the waiver or State Plan amendment.

 

SB3117 - Bivins - Amends the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and maintain an online registry for recovery residences that operate in Illinois to serve as a referral resource for individuals seeking continued recovery assistance. Defines "recovery residence" to mean a sober, safe, and healthy living environment that promotes recovery from alcohol and other drug use and associated problems. Encourages non-licensable recovery residences to register with the Department. Provides that the registry shall be publicly available through online posting and shall highlight attributes of the recovery residences and their locations. Provides that registrants are encouraged to seek national accreditation from any entity that has developed uniform national standards for recovery residences. Effective January 1, 2019.

 

SB3179 - Murphy - Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Adds additional duties for the Inspector General for the Department of Human Services. Defines "substantiated" to mean that there is clear and convincing evidence (rather than a preponderance) to support the allegation of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Defines "nurse-training". Changes the criteria for non-licensed authorized direct care staff. Provides that within one year after the bill's effective date, the Department shall prepare a report that identifies any efficiencies or improvements in Department operations, the oversight of agencies, and the reduction or elimination of duplicative activities. The report shall include a quality assessment of the feasibility of combining the functions of the Division of Developmental Disabilities' Bureau of Quality Management and the Department's Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure, and Certification. Upon the report's completion, the Department shall post the report on the Department's website and submit it to the General Assembly and Governor. Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. Provides that using contemporary data gathered on reports of allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, the Department shall establish a process by which the Department requires responses from agencies that annually report a number of allegations that are 2 or more standard deviations from the mean for all agencies. Provides that if an agency has documented evidence and has determined that the agency cannot adequately staff a community-integrated living arrangement, then the agency may take immediate steps to close the community-integrated living arrangement. Effective immediately.

 

SB3232 - Rose - Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Creates a 5-year demonstration project within the Department of Human Services to provide an intensive workforce training program for entry level workers and a multi-generational healthy family initiative. Provides that the demonstration project shall be privately funded and shall be operated and maintained by a non-profit, community-based entity that shall provide wages earned by participants enrolled in the workforce training program as well as support services to families enrolled in the multi-generational healthy family initiative. Limits the number of participants in the demonstration to 500 and provides that participants shall qualify to have whatever financial assistance they receive from their participation in the demonstration excluded from consideration for purposes of determining eligibility for or the amount of assistance under the Code. Requires the selected community-based entity to comply with all applicable State and federal requirements and to develop and implement a research component to determine the effectiveness of the demonstration project in promoting and instilling self-sufficiency through its intensive workforce training program and multi-generational healthy family initiative. Contains provisions on reporting requirements and other matters.

 

SB3237 - Harmon - Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In provisions concerning investigative reports and findings issued by the Department of Human Services' Office of the Inspector General concerning abuse allegations involving Department employees and clients, provides that any request for reconsideration or clarification of the Inspector General's findings shall be conducted by an investigator or supervisor who did not participate in the investigation for which reconsideration or clarification is sought. Provides that after a reconsideration has been completed, the agency, victim or guardian, or the subject employee has 30 calendar days from the date the reconsideration or clarification is received to request an appeal of the Office of Inspector General's finding. Provides that within 30 calendar days after submitting the appeal request, the agency, victim or guardian, or the subject employee shall have the right to request an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge. Provides that the determination of the administrative law judge shall be considered a final administrative decision subject to judicial review. Requires the Department to adopt rules governing the practice and procedure in the administrative hearings.

 

SB3239 - Harmon - Amends the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013. Provides that for a specialized mental health rehabilitation facility licensed under the Act by December 1, 2017 or provisionally licensed under the Act by December 1, 2017, a payment shall be made for therapeutic visits that have been indicated by an interdisciplinary team as therapeutically beneficial. Provides that the payment shall be at a rate of 100% of the facility's rate on the effective date of the amendatory Act for the first 5 days. Provides that, thereafter, payment for a therapeutic visit shall be at 75% of the facility's rate on the effective date of the amendatory Act and may not exceed 30 days in a fiscal year and shall not exceed 10 days consecutively. Provides that payment to a facility for a therapeutic visit shall be available to the facility through both fee-for-service and managed care payment arrangements. Effective July 1, 2018.

 

SB3508 - Steans - Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall establish reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for front-line personnel in residential and day programs and service coordination agencies serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to, intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities, community-integrated living arrangements, community day services, employment, and other residential and day programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by State funds or funding under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act. Provides that the Department shall increase rates and reimbursements so that by July 1, 2018 direct support persons earn a base wage of not less than $13.50 per hour and so that other front-line personnel earn a commensurate wage, and by July 1, 2020, direct support persons earn a base wage of not less than $15 per hour and so that other front-line personnel earn a commensurate wage. Defines "front-line personnel". Effective immediately.

 

SB3511 - Hunter - Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In a provision concerning the Community Care Program, establishes the following rate increases in the wages paid by vendors to their employees who provide homemaker services: on July 1, 2018, rates shall be increased to $19.89 for the purpose of increasing wages by at least $1 per hour; on July 1, 2019, rates shall be increased to $21.49 for the purpose of increasing wages by at least $1 per hour; on July 1, 2020, rates shall be increased to $23.09 for the purpose of increasing wages by at least $1 per hour; and on July 1, 2021, rates shall be increased to $24.69 for the purpose of increasing wages by at least $1 per hour. Provides that fringe benefits, including, but not limited to, any paid time off or payments for training, health insurance, travel, or transportation shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases established in this provision. Effective July 1, 2018.

 

SB3535 - Righter - Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. Provides that for community-integrated living arrangements licensed under the Act, the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall provide the necessary fire inspection to comply with licensing requirements. Provides that the Office of the State Fire Marshal may enter into an agreement with another State agency to conduct this inspection if qualified personnel are employed by that agency. Removes language providing that code enforcement inspection of the facility by the local authority may occur if the local authority having jurisdiction enforces code requirements that are equal to those enforced by the State Fire Marshal. Provides that nothing in provisions concerning fire inspections shall limit a local authority with jurisdiction from conducting local code inspection and enforcement or (rather than shall prohibit a local fire authority) from conducting fire incident planning activities. Effective immediately.

 

Senate Judiciary Committee

Date:                          March 13, 2018  - 3:15 PM

Location:                  400 - Capitol - - Springfield, IL

 

SB2437 - Weaver - Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that as to any policy of life insurance insuring the life of either spouse, or any interest in such policy, that constitutes non-marital property, or constitutes marital property but was not specifically allocated between the parties as provided in the Act, a beneficiary designation made by or on behalf of the decedent prior to the entry of the judgment of dissolution or declaration of invalidity of marriage that provides for the payment or transfer at death of any of the proceeds of the policy to or for the benefit of the decedent's former spouse is void as of the time of the judgment of dissolution or declaration of invalidity of marriage and the policy proceeds shall pass as if the decedent's former spouse predeceased the decedent. Provides that a life insurance company that insures the life of either spouse or holds a policy in which either spouse has an interest will not be held liable for distributing the proceeds or transferring an interest in such a policy if it is disburses the proceeds or transfers the interest prior to the actual receipt of proof of the judgment of dissolution or declaration of invalidity of marriage

 

SB2973 - Biss - Creates a state-run workers' compensation insurance plan.                           

 

Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Hearing Details

Date:                          March 14, 2018 - 3:00 PM

Location:                  400 - Capitol - - Springfield, IL

 

SB 0339 (SFA 0001) - Hutchinson - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that "registered professional nursing practice" includes the administration of medications and treatments prescribed by a physician, dentist, podiatric physician, licensed optometrist, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. Defines "task" and "selected nursing task". Prohibits an unlicensed person who has been delegated a task by a registered professional nurse from re-delegating that task. Provides that a register nurse's scope of practice includes delegating tasks and selected nursing tasks to implement the plan of care. Sets a repeal date for provisions regarding the Medication Aide Pilot Program of June 30, 2019. Makes other changes.

 

SB 2578 (SFA 0001) - Mulroe - Provides that if a person certified by a medical doctor to be under legal disability (i) has no spouse, blood relative, or other person providing or caring for him or her, (ii) has no guardian of his or her estate, and (iii) is confined to a Medicare-certified (rather than Medicare approved), State-licensed (rather than State certified) nursing home or to a publicly owned and operated nursing home, hospital, or mental institution, the Board under the Cook County Article may pay any benefit due that person to the nursing home, hospital, or mental institution, to be used for the sole benefit of the person under legal disability.

 

SB2603 - Murphy - Creates the Music Therapy Licensing and Practice Act. 

 

SB2631 - Jones - Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Changes references to "restricted faculty license" to references to "faculty license". Makes conforming changes.

 

SB3018 - Jones - Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that disclosure by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation of a medical license number of a physician licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 shall be prohibited.

 

SB3109 - Martinez - Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional regulation shall allow an applicant to provide his or her individual taxpayer identification number as an alternative to provide a social security number when applying for a license. Provides that no applicant shall be denied a license solely based on his or her immigration status or citizenship status. Further amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Removes language providing that an applicant for a registered pharmacist license shall provide evidence indicating that he or she is a United States citizen or legally admitted alien.

 

SB3116 - Hunter - Amends the Nurse Practice Act. In provisions concerning written collaborative agreements, restores the ability of podiatric physicians to collaborate with advanced practice registered nurses. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

 

SB3126 - Martinez - Creates the Registered Neurodiagnostic Technologist Title Protection Act. Provides for registration of neurodiagnostic technologist by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Senate Insurance Committee

Date:                          March 14, 2018 - 4:30 PM

Location:                  400 - Capitol - - Springfield, IL

 

SB2440 - Morrison  - Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides than an insurer that amends, delivers, issues, or renews a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a qualified health plan that provides coverage for hospital or medical treatment and for treatment of a mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition shall submit an annual report to the Department of Insurance or, with respect to medical assistance, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services on or before March 1 containing specific information. Provides that the Director of Insurance cannot certify an insurer's policy if the insurer fails to submit all specific information required.

 

SB2851 - Althoff - Amends the Uniform Health Care Services Benefits Information Card Act. Includes dental service plans under the definition of "health benefit plan". Requires a uniform health care benefit information card or other technology for a dental service plan to include a statement that the dental service plan is fully insured.

 

SB3213 - Bush - Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, for purposes of treatment in the early stages of a mental health condition, a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed shall provide coverage for the treatment of serious mental illnesses and serious emotional disturbances. Provides that coverage shall include, but not be limited to, certain evidence-based and evidence-informed bundled treatment approaches. Provides that payment for the services performed under the treatment models shall be based on all the components of the treatment model combined, rather than for each separate service. Provides that disability or functional impairment shall not be a precondition to receive treatment under the provisions. Provides that if federal regulations require the State to defray the cost of coverage for serious mental illnesses or serious emotional disturbances, then the provisions are inoperative and the State shall not assume any obligation for the cost of the coverage. Makes conforming changes in the State Employee Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Fair Insurance Coverage for Early Treatment of Serious Mental Health Conditions Act. Effective immediately.

 

SB3244 - Mulroe - Amends the of the Illinois Insurance Code. Merges the Health Maintenance Organization Guaranty Association Article of the Health Maintenance Organization Act into the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Law. Makes conforming changes. Provides that the rights, powers, privileges, assets, property, duties, debts, obligations, and liabilities of each association prior to merger shall remain with the members of the respective association. Provides the rights, powers, privileges, assets, property, debts, obligations, and liabilities of each association after the merger. Repeals the Health Maintenance Organization Guaranty Association Article of the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

 

SB3491 - Holmes - Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Provides that the Act does not apply to an individual or group policy for dental or vision insurance. Provides that a network plan shall not be subject to any fines or penalties for information that the provider submits that is inaccurate or incomplete. Effective immediately.

 

JCAR Update

There are no proposed healthcare-related rules since our last newsletter update.