New Illinois Laws 2017: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Nearly 200 new Illinois laws scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1. Here are the new laws governing Health and Human Services:

• Substance abuse programs licensed by DHS must provide educational info on opioid treatment options, including use of medication for opioid addiction and overdose, how to administer naloxone (HB 5593/ PA 99-0553).
• If defendant needs opioid abuse or addiction treatment, court shall require them to participate in prescribed drug treatments under care of licensed physician (HB 5594/PA 99-0554).
• Changes the Nursing Home Care Act; if DPH fails to provide a written explanation as to why evidence was insufficient to refute a informal dispute resolution (IDR) finding the receipt will be cited for the dispute and no penalty can be imposed (HB 5602/PA 99-0555).
• Expands the role of Physician Assistants ("PAs") and Advance Practice Nurses ("APNs") throughout various Acts, by allowing them to perform many duties, or hold positions normally reserved only for physicians or those similarly situated (SB 2900/PA 99-0581).
• Requires buildings to be more accessible to individuals with disabilities (SB 2956/PA 99-0582).
• Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules for clinical social workers (SB 2332/PA 99-0621).
• Removes language prohibiting a genetic counselor from providing genetic counseling without a referral (SB 2985/PA 99-0633).
• Defines "amputations" (SB 3082/PA 99-0635).
• Clarifies the definitions of clinical observation and medical monitoring for EMS personnel (SB 2704/PA 99-0661).
• Mandates insurance companies provide coverage for all contraceptive drugs approved by the FDA (HB 5576/PA 99-0672).
• Lowers the number of required coursework hours for a Public Health Dental Hygenist; allows dental assistants to perform certain procedures on specific patients (HB 5948/PA 99-0680).
• Health Care Right of Conscience law. Ensures patients receive information about treatment options, regardless of medical provider's religious beliefs (SB 1564/PA 99-0690).
• Allows state police, local police and other entities to administer epinephrine and be trained on how to administer it (HB 4462/PA 99-0711).
• Adds length of time children are on the PUNS list as a criteria for prioritizing services (HB 6086/PA 99-0716).
• Requires insurance companies to cover certain HIV drugs upon federal approval (HB 4554/PA 99-0772).
• Creates the Rare Disease Commission act, and requires that Commission to meet at least once annually and submit an annual report to the General Assembly. SFA #2 clarifies by stating the Commission must coordinate with the Genetic and Metabolic Disease Advisory committee. Sets a sunset for commission of 1/1/2020 (HB 4576/PA 99-0773).
• Contains several minor changes to legislation authorizing the use of video or audio surveillance in a nursing home resident's room, including that if a new roommate does not consent to monitoring, the facility must disable the device and requires Department of Public Health to create rules to administer the law (HB 5603/ PA 99-0784
• Requires landords to notify potential tenants of lead hazards and reduce the hazard before leasing apartment (SB 2300/PA 99-0790).
• Requires DHS to determine Medicaid eligibility for long-term care services even if the applicant passes away, guaranteeing payment to nursing home centers offering services pending Medicaid coverage (SB 2929/PA 99-0857).
• Allows EMTs to administer epinephrine if they've successfully completed training (SB 3335/PA 99-0862).
• Creates the Mental Health Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force (SB 0320/PA 99-0894).
• Allows some wheelchair parts to be exempt from preauthorization requirements under Medicaid (SB 0420/PA 99-0895).
• Allows use of video conferencing equipment in hearings concerning use of psychotropic medicine or electroconvulsive therapy (SB 2459/PA 99-0535).
• Clarifies that Medicaid managed care entities include business associates; allows the entities and business associates to communicate directly with clients regarding care coordination activities (SB 2331/ PA 99-0566).
• Changes TANF regulations so that child support does not count so greatly against grant assistance (SB 2340/PA 99-0899).
• Regional teams that investigate fatalities of elders shall meet not less than 4 times a year (currently 6 times a year) to discuss cases for possible review (HB 4826/PA 99-0530).
• Addresses licensing of a foster care home where there are quality of care concerns (HB 4966/PA 99-0779).
• DHS shall issue upon request a card certifying that the holder has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Allows for collection of associated fee not to exceed $10 (HB 4257/PA 99-0829).