SB2366 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 18734 MJP 43118 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
SB2366

Introduced 1/28/2016, by Sen. Steve Stadelman

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the 24-hour Nurse Hotline Task Force Act. Provides for the creation of a task force to make recommendations on the formation and operation of a 24-hour nurse hotline. Requires that within 90 days after the effective date, the Governor shall appoint members of the task force. Provides that the members of the task force shall come from specified organizations. Requires that within 60 days after the effective date, nominations to the task force shall be submitted to the Governor. Requires that within 30 days after the close of nominations, the Governor shall make appointments to the task force. Provides that the appointments from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Department of Public Health shall co-chair the task force. Contains provisions on when and where the task force shall meet and the compensation for and tenure of the members of the task force. Provides that by July 1, 2017, the task force shall submit a report of recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Public Health shall provide administrative support to the Task Force. Provides for the repeal of the Act on September 1, 2017. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning health.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the 24-hour Nurse Hotline Task Force Act.

Section 5. Purpose. Health care is a growing industry, and creating changes in the system to ensure quality care while efficiently managing the cost of the health care system is more important than ever. The use of a 24-hour nurse hotline has been established in other states and seen positive results. It is necessary to establish a task force to research the benefits and costs of creating a 24-hour nurse hotline for all citizens of the State.

Section 10. Definition. As used in this Act, "Task Force" means the 24-hour Nurse Hotline Task Force.

Section 15. The Task Force.

(a) There is hereby created the 24-hour Nurse Hotline Task Force to study and make recommendations for the creation, operation, and usage of a 24-hour Nurse Hotline in the State of Illinois.

(b) Within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor and shall consist of one member from each of the following agencies or interest groups:

(1) a member of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, nominated by the Director of Healthcare and Family Services;

(2) a member of the Department of Public Health, nominated by the Director of Public Health;

(3) a member of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, nominated by the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity;

(4) a representative from a statewide managed care association;

(5) a member of a statewide nursing association;

(6) a member of a statewide hospital association; and

(7) a member of a statewide medical association.

(c) Nominations to the Task Force must be submitted to the Governor within 60 days after the effective date of this Act. The Governor shall make the appointments within 30 days after the close of nominations. The term of the appointment shall be until submission of the report of comprehensive recommendations under subsection (e) of this Section. The members from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Public Health shall co-chair the Task Force and serve as liaisons to the Governor and the General Assembly. Meetings of the Task Force shall be held as necessary to complete the duties of the Task Force. Meetings of the Task Force shall be held in the central part of the State.

(d) The members of the Task Force shall receive no compensation for serving as members of the Task Force.

(e) The Task Force shall submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly no later than July 1, 2017.

(f) The Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Public Health shall provide administrative support to the Task Force.

Section 20. Repeal. This Act is repealed on September 1, 2017.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.