HB2374 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 11915 BDA 22006 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB2374

Introduced 2/4/2025, by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

410 ILCS 70/1a	from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-1a
410 ILCS 70/2	from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-2
410 ILCS 70/2.05
410 ILCS 70/2.1	from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-2.1
410 ILCS 70/2.2
410 ILCS 70/5	from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-5
410 ILCS 70/5.3
410 ILCS 70/5.4
410 ILCS 70/7.5
410 ILCS 70/10

Amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Defines "acute sexual assault" as a sexual assault that has recently occurred within a specified time. Replaces various references to "sexual assault" with "acute sexual assault". Deletes the definition of "prepubescent sexual assault survivor". Changes provisions regarding hospitals located in counties with a population of less than 1,000,000 and within a 20-mile radius of a 4-year public university with respect to a sexual assault treatment plan approved by the Department of Public Health. Makes changes in various provisions concerning plans of correction and penalties for hospitals that commit specified violations of the Act. In provisions regarding requirements for medical forensic services, provides that the provisions of the Act are not intended to prohibit a qualified medical provider from offering an Illinois Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit to a sexual assault survivor who presents at a treatment hospital or approved pediatric health care facility with a nonacute complaint of sexual assault if there is a compelling reason for evidence collection, or upon the request of the survivor. In provisions regarding the prohibition on billing sexual assault survivors directly for certain services, changes references to the Office of the Attorney General to references to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning health.

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

Section 5. The Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act is amended by changing Sections 1a, 2, 2.05, 2.1, 2.2, 5, 5.3, 5.4, 7.5, and 10 as follows:

(410 ILCS 70/1a) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-1a)

Sec. 1a. Definitions.

(a) In this Act:

"Acute sexual assault" means a sexual assault that has recently occurred. For patients under the age of 13, this means a sexual assault that has occurred within the past 72 hours. For patients 13 years old or older, this means a sexual assault that has occurred within the past 168 hours.

"Advanced practice registered nurse" has the meaning provided in Section 50-10 of the Nurse Practice Act.

"Ambulance provider" means an individual or entity that owns and operates a business or service using ambulances or emergency medical services vehicles to transport emergency patients.

"Approved pediatric health care facility" means a health care facility, other than a hospital, with a sexual assault treatment plan approved by the Department to provide medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors under the age of 18 who present with a complaint of acute sexual assault within a minimum of the last 7 days or who have disclosed past sexual assault by a specific individual and were in the care of that individual within a minimum of the last 7 days.

"Areawide sexual assault treatment plan" means a plan, developed by hospitals or by hospitals and approved pediatric health care facilities in a community or area to be served, which provides for medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors that shall be made available by each of the participating hospitals and approved pediatric health care facilities.

"Board-certified child abuse pediatrician" means a physician certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in child abuse pediatrics.

"Board-eligible child abuse pediatrician" means a physician who has completed the requirements set forth by the American Board of Pediatrics to take the examination for certification in child abuse pediatrics.

"Department" means the Department of Public Health.

"Emergency contraception" means medication as approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after sexual assault.

"Follow-up healthcare" means healthcare services related to a sexual assault, including laboratory services and pharmacy services, rendered within 180 days of the initial visit for medical forensic services.

"Health care professional" means a physician, a physician assistant, a sexual assault forensic examiner, an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered professional nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or a sexual assault nurse examiner.

"Hospital" means a hospital licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act, any outpatient center included in the hospital's sexual assault treatment plan where hospital employees provide medical forensic services, and an out-of-state hospital that has consented to the jurisdiction of the Department under Section 2.06.

"Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit" means a prepackaged set of materials and forms to be used for the collection of evidence relating to sexual assault. The standardized evidence collection kit for the State of Illinois shall be the Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit.

"Law enforcement agency having jurisdiction" means the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where an alleged sexual assault or sexual abuse occurred.

"Licensed practical nurse" has the meaning provided in Section 50-10 of the Nurse Practice Act.

"Medical forensic services" means health care delivered to patients within or under the care and supervision of personnel working in a designated emergency department of a hospital or an approved pediatric health care facility. "Medical forensic services" includes, but is not limited to, taking a medical history, performing photo documentation, performing a physical and anogenital examination, assessing the patient for evidence collection, collecting evidence in accordance with a statewide sexual assault evidence collection program administered by the Illinois State Police using the Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, if appropriate, assessing the patient for drug-facilitated or alcohol-facilitated sexual assault, providing an evaluation of and care for sexually transmitted infection and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pregnancy risk evaluation and care, and discharge and follow-up healthcare planning.

"Pediatric health care facility" means a clinic or physician's office that provides medical services to patients under the age of 18.

"Pediatric sexual assault survivor" means a person under the age of 13 who presents for medical forensic services in relation to injuries or trauma resulting from a sexual assault.

"Photo documentation" means digital photographs or colposcope videos stored and backed up securely in the original file format.

"Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine in all its branches.

"Physician assistant" has the meaning provided in Section 4 of the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987.

"Prepubescent sexual assault survivor" means a female who is under the age of 18 years and has not had a first menstrual cycle or a male who is under the age of 18 years and has not started to develop secondary sex characteristics who presents for medical forensic services in relation to injuries or trauma resulting from a sexual assault.

"Qualified medical provider" means a board-certified child abuse pediatrician, board-eligible child abuse pediatrician, a sexual assault forensic examiner, or a sexual assault nurse examiner who has access to photo documentation tools, and who participates in peer review.

"Registered Professional Nurse" has the meaning provided in Section 50-10 of the Nurse Practice Act.

"Sexual assault" means:

(1) an act of sexual conduct; as used in this paragraph, "sexual conduct" has the meaning provided under Section 11-0.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012; or

(2) any act of sexual penetration; as used in this paragraph, "sexual penetration" has the meaning provided under Section 11-0.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 and includes, without limitation, acts prohibited under Sections 11-1.20 through 11-1.60 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

"Sexual assault forensic examiner" means a physician or physician assistant who has completed training that meets or is substantially similar to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

"Sexual assault nurse examiner" means an advanced practice registered nurse or registered professional nurse who has completed a sexual assault nurse examiner training program that meets the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

"Sexual assault services voucher" means a document generated by a hospital or approved pediatric health care facility at the time the sexual assault survivor receives outpatient medical forensic services that may be used to seek payment for any ambulance services, medical forensic services, laboratory services, pharmacy services, and follow-up healthcare provided as a result of the sexual assault.

"Sexual assault survivor" means a person who presents for medical forensic services in relation to injuries or trauma resulting from a sexual assault.

"Sexual assault transfer plan" means a written plan developed by a hospital and approved by the Department, which describes the hospital's procedures for transferring acute sexual assault survivors to another hospital, and an approved pediatric health care facility, if applicable, in order to receive medical forensic services performed by a qualified medical provider.

"Sexual assault treatment plan" means a written plan that describes the procedures and protocols for providing medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors who present themselves to a qualified medical provider for such services, either directly or through transfer from a hospital or an approved pediatric health care facility.

"Transfer hospital" means a hospital with a sexual assault transfer plan approved by the Department.

"Transfer services" means the appropriate medical screening examination and necessary stabilizing treatment prior to the transfer of a sexual assault survivor to another a hospital or an approved pediatric health care facility that provides medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors pursuant to a sexual assault treatment plan or areawide sexual assault treatment plan.

"Treatment hospital" means a hospital with a sexual assault treatment plan approved by the Department to provide medical forensic services to acute all sexual assault survivors who present with a complaint of sexual assault within a minimum of the last 7 days or who have disclosed past sexual assault by a specific individual and were in the care of that individual within a minimum of the last 7 days.

"Treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer" means a hospital with a treatment plan approved by the Department to provide medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors 13 years old or older who present with a complaint of acute sexual assault within a minimum of the last 7 days or who have disclosed past sexual assault by a specific individual and were in the care of that individual within a minimum of the last 7 days.

(b) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 102-1097, eff. 1-1-23; 102-1106, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

(410 ILCS 70/2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-2)

Sec. 2. Hospital and approved pediatric health care facility requirements for sexual assault plans.

(a) Every hospital required to be licensed by the Department pursuant to the Hospital Licensing Act, or operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act that provides general medical and surgical hospital services shall provide either (i) transfer services to all acute sexual assault survivors, (ii) medical forensic services to all acute sexual assault survivors, or (iii) transfer services to pediatric acute sexual assault survivors and medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors 13 years old or older, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department.

In addition, every such hospital, regardless of whether or not a request is made for reimbursement, shall submit to the Department a plan to provide either (i) transfer services to all acute sexual assault survivors, (ii) medical forensic services to all acute sexual assault survivors, or (iii) transfer services to pediatric acute sexual assault survivors and medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors 13 years old or older within the time frame established by the Department. The Department shall approve such plan for either (i) transfer services to all acute sexual assault survivors, (ii) medical forensic services to all acute sexual assault survivors, or (iii) transfer services to pediatric acute sexual assault survivors and medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors 13 years old or older, if it finds that the implementation of the proposed plan would provide (i) transfer services or (ii) medical forensic services for acute sexual assault survivors in accordance with the requirements of this Act and provide sufficient protections from the risk of pregnancy to acute sexual assault survivors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, the Department may approve a sexual assault transfer plan for the provision of medical forensic services if:

(1) a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer has agreed, as part of an areawide treatment plan, to accept acute sexual assault survivors 13 years of age or older from the proposed transfer hospital, if the treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer is geographically closer to the transfer hospital than a treatment hospital or another treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer and such transfer is not unduly burdensome on the sexual assault survivor; and

(2) a treatment hospital has agreed, as a part of an areawide treatment plan, to accept acute sexual assault survivors under 13 years of age from the proposed transfer hospital and transfer to the treatment hospital would not unduly burden the sexual assault survivor.

The Department may not approve a sexual assault transfer plan unless a treatment hospital has agreed, as a part of an areawide treatment plan, to accept acute sexual assault survivors from the proposed transfer hospital and a transfer to the treatment hospital would not unduly burden the sexual assault survivor.

In counties with a population of less than 1,000,000, the Department may not approve a sexual assault transfer plan for a hospital located within a 20-mile radius of a 4-year public university, not including community colleges, unless there is a treatment hospital with a sexual assault treatment plan approved by the Department within a 20-mile radius of the 4-year public university.

A transfer must be in accordance with federal and State laws and local ordinances.

Hospitals located in counties with a population of less than 1,000,000 and within a 20-mile radius of a 4-year public university shall submit an areawide sexual assault treatment plan that is approved by the Department. The approved areawide plan shall include at least one treatment hospital or treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer within the 20-mile radius of the 4-year public university.

A treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer must submit an areawide treatment plan under Section 3 of this Act that includes a written agreement with a treatment hospital stating that the treatment hospital will provide medical forensic services to pediatric sexual assault survivors transferred from the treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer. The areawide treatment plan may also include an approved pediatric health care facility.

A transfer hospital must submit an areawide treatment plan under Section 3 of this Act that includes a written agreement with a treatment hospital stating that the treatment hospital will provide medical forensic services to all sexual assault survivors transferred from the transfer hospital. The areawide treatment plan may also include an approved pediatric health care facility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, the areawide treatment plan may include a written agreement with a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer that is geographically closer than other hospitals providing medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors 13 years of age or older stating that the treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer will provide medical services to sexual assault survivors 13 years of age or older who are transferred from the transfer hospital. If the areawide treatment plan includes a written agreement with a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, it must also include a written agreement with a treatment hospital stating that the treatment hospital will provide medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors under 13 years of age who are transferred from the transfer hospital.

Beginning January 1, 2019, each treatment hospital and treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer shall ensure that emergency department attending physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and registered professional nurses providing clinical services, who do not meet the definition of a qualified medical provider in Section 1a of this Act, receive a minimum of 2 hours of sexual assault training by July 1, 2020 or until the treatment hospital or treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer certifies to the Department, in a form and manner prescribed by the Department, that it employs or contracts with a qualified medical provider in accordance with subsection (a-7) of Section 5, whichever occurs first.

After July 1, 2020 or once a treatment hospital or a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer certifies compliance with subsection (a-7) of Section 5, whichever occurs first, each treatment hospital and treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer shall ensure that emergency department attending physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and registered professional nurses providing clinical services, who do not meet the definition of a qualified medical provider in Section 1a of this Act, receive a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education on responding to acute sexual assault survivors every 2 years. Protocols for training shall be included in the hospital's sexual assault treatment plan.

Sexual assault training provided under this subsection may be provided in person or online and shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) information provided on the provision of medical forensic services;

(2) information on the use of the Illinois Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit;

(3) information on sexual assault epidemiology, neurobiology of trauma, drug-facilitated sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and Illinois sexual assault-related laws; and

(4) information on the hospital's sexual assault-related policies and procedures.

The online training made available by the Office of the Attorney General under subsection (b) of Section 10 may be used to comply with this subsection.

(a-5) A hospital must submit a plan to provide either (i) transfer services to all acute sexual assault survivors, (ii) medical forensic services to all acute sexual assault survivors, or (iii) transfer services to pediatric acute sexual assault survivors and medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors 13 years old or older as required in subsection (a) of this Section within 60 days of the Department's request. Failure to submit a plan as described in this subsection shall subject a hospital to the imposition of a fine by the Department. The Department may impose a fine of up to $500 per day until the hospital submits a plan as described in this subsection.

(a-10) Upon receipt of a plan as described in subsection (a-5), the Department shall notify the hospital whether or not the plan is acceptable. If the Department determines that the plan is unacceptable, the hospital must submit a modified plan within 10 days of service of the notification. If the Department determines that the modified plan is unacceptable, or if the hospital fails to submit a modified plan within 10 days, the Department may impose a fine of up to $500 per day until an acceptable plan has been submitted, as determined by the Department.

(b) An approved pediatric health care facility may provide medical forensic services, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department, to acute all sexual assault survivors under the age of 18 who present for medical forensic services in relation to injuries or trauma resulting from a sexual assault. These services shall be provided by a qualified medical provider.

A pediatric health care facility must participate in or submit an areawide treatment plan under Section 3 of this Act that includes a treatment hospital. If a pediatric health care facility does not provide certain medical or surgical services that are provided by hospitals, the areawide sexual assault treatment plan must include a procedure for ensuring a sexual assault survivor in need of such medical or surgical services receives the services at the treatment hospital. The areawide treatment plan may also include a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer.

The Department shall review a proposed sexual assault treatment plan submitted by a pediatric health care facility within 60 days after receipt of the plan. If the Department finds that the proposed plan meets the minimum requirements set forth in Section 5 of this Act and that implementation of the proposed plan would provide medical forensic services for acute sexual assault survivors under the age of 18, then the Department shall approve the plan. If the Department does not approve a plan, then the Department shall notify the pediatric health care facility that the proposed plan has not been approved. The pediatric health care facility shall have 30 days to submit a revised plan. The Department shall review the revised plan within 30 days after receipt of the plan and notify the pediatric health care facility whether the revised plan is approved or rejected. A pediatric health care facility may not provide medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors under the age of 18 who present with a complaint of acute sexual assault within a minimum of the last 7 days or who have disclosed past sexual assault by a specific individual and were in the care of that individual within a minimum of the last 7 days until the Department has approved a treatment plan.

If an approved pediatric health care facility is not open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it shall post signage at each public entrance to its facility that:

(1) is at least 14 inches by 14 inches in size;

(2) directs those seeking services as follows: "If closed, call 911 for services or go to the closest hospital emergency department, (insert name) located at (insert address).";

(3) lists the approved pediatric health care facility's hours of operation;

(4) lists the street address of the building;

(5) has a black background with white bold capital lettering in a clear and easy to read font that is at least 72-point type, and with "call 911" in at least 125-point type;

(6) is posted clearly and conspicuously on or adjacent to the door at each entrance and, if building materials allow, is posted internally for viewing through glass; if posted externally, the sign shall be made of weather-resistant and theft-resistant materials, non-removable, and adhered permanently to the building; and

(7) has lighting that is part of the sign itself or is lit with a dedicated light that fully illuminates the sign.

A copy of the proposed sign must be submitted to the Department and approved as part of the approved pediatric health care facility's sexual assault treatment plan.

(c) Each treatment hospital, treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, and approved pediatric health care facility must enter into a memorandum of understanding with a rape crisis center for medical advocacy services, if these services are available to the treatment hospital, treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, or approved pediatric health care facility. With the consent of the sexual assault survivor, a rape crisis counselor shall remain in the exam room during the collection for forensic evidence.

(d) Every treatment hospital, treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, and approved pediatric health care facility's sexual assault treatment plan or sexual assault transfer plan shall include procedures for complying with mandatory reporting requirements pursuant to (1) the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act; (2) the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act; (3) the Adult Protective Services Act; and (iv) the Criminal Identification Act.

(e) Each treatment hospital, treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, and approved pediatric health care facility shall submit to the Department every 6 months, in a manner prescribed by the Department, the following information:

(1) The total number of patients who presented with a complaint of sexual assault.

(2) The total number of Illinois Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits:

(A) offered to (i) all acute sexual assault survivors and (ii) pediatric acute sexual assault survivors pursuant to paragraph (1.5) of subsection (a-5) of Section 5;

(B) completed for (i) all acute sexual assault survivors and (ii) pediatric acute sexual assault survivors; and

(C) declined by (i) all acute sexual assault survivors and (ii) pediatric acute sexual assault survivors.

This information shall be made available on the Department's website.

(f) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-73, eff. 7-12-19; 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21; 102-1106, eff. 1-1-23.)

(410 ILCS 70/2.05)

Sec. 2.05. Department requirements.

(a) The Department shall periodically conduct on-site reviews of approved sexual assault treatment plans with hospital and approved pediatric health care facility personnel to ensure that the established procedures are being followed. Department personnel conducting the on-site reviews shall attend 4 hours of sexual assault training conducted by a qualified medical provider that includes, but is not limited to, forensic evidence collection provided to acute sexual assault survivors of any age and Illinois sexual assault-related laws and administrative rules.

(b) On July 1, 2019 and each July 1 thereafter, the Department shall submit a report to the General Assembly containing information on the hospitals and pediatric health care facilities in this State that have submitted a plan to provide: (i) transfer services to all acute sexual assault survivors, (ii) medical forensic services to all acute sexual assault survivors, (iii) transfer services to pediatric acute sexual assault survivors and medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors 13 years old or older, or (iv) medical forensic services to acute pediatric sexual assault survivors. The Department shall post the report on its Internet website on or before October 1, 2019 and, except as otherwise provided in this Section, update the report every quarter thereafter. The report shall include all of the following:

(1) Each hospital and pediatric care facility that has submitted a plan, including the submission date of the plan, type of plan submitted, and the date the plan was approved or denied. If a pediatric health care facility withdraws its plan, the Department shall immediately update the report on its Internet website to remove the pediatric health care facility's name and information.

(2) Each hospital that has failed to submit a plan as required in subsection (a) of Section 2.

(3) Each hospital and approved pediatric care facility that has to submit an acceptable Plan of Correction within the time required by Section 2.1, including the date the Plan of Correction was required to be submitted. Once a hospital or approved pediatric health care facility submits and implements the required Plan of Correction, the Department shall immediately update the report on its Internet website to reflect that hospital or approved pediatric health care facility's compliance.

(4) Each hospital and approved pediatric care facility at which the periodic on-site review required by Section 2.05 of this Act has been conducted, including the date of the on-site review and whether the hospital or approved pediatric care facility was found to be in compliance with its approved plan.

(5) Each areawide treatment plan submitted to the Department pursuant to Section 3 of this Act, including which treatment hospitals, treatment hospitals with approved pediatric transfer, transfer hospitals and approved pediatric health care facilities are identified in each areawide treatment plan.

(c) The Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall adopt administrative rules by January 1, 2020 establishing a process for physicians and physician assistants to provide documentation of training and clinical experience that meets or is substantially similar to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses in order to qualify as a sexual assault forensic examiner.

(d) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21.)

(410 ILCS 70/2.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-2.1)

Sec. 2.1. Plan of correction; penalties.

(a) If the Department surveyor determines that the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility is not in compliance with its approved plan and rules adopted under this Act, the surveyor shall provide the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility with a written warning of violation and a statement of deficiencies listing the list of the specific items of noncompliance within 10 working days after the conclusion of the on-site review. The hospital shall have 10 working days to submit to the Department a plan of correction which contains the hospital's or approved pediatric health care facility's specific proposals for correcting the items of noncompliance. The Department shall review the plan of correction and notify the hospital in writing within 10 working days as to whether the plan is acceptable or unacceptable.

If the Department finds the Plan of Correction unacceptable, the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility shall have 10 working days to resubmit an acceptable Plan of Correction. Upon notification that its Plan of Correction is acceptable, a hospital or approved pediatric health care facility shall implement the Plan of Correction within 60 days.

(b) The failure of a hospital to submit an acceptable Plan of Correction or to implement the Plan of Correction, within the time frames required in this Section, will subject a hospital to the imposition of a $500 fine by the Department. The Department may impose a fine of up to $500 per day until a hospital complies with the requirements of this Section. If a hospital submits 2 Plans of Correction that are found to not be acceptable by the Department, the hospital shall become subject to the imposition of a $2,500 fine by the Department.

If an approved pediatric health care facility fails to submit an acceptable Plan of Correction or to implement the Plan of Correction within the time frames required in this Section, then the Department shall notify the approved pediatric health care facility that the approved pediatric health care facility may not provide medical forensic services under this Act. The Department may impose a fine of up to $500 per patient provided services in violation of this Act. If an approved pediatric facility submits 2 Plans of Correction that are found to not be acceptable by the Department, the approved pediatric health care facility shall become subject to the imposition of a fine by the Department and the termination of its approved sexual assault treatment plan.

(c) Before imposing a fine pursuant to this Section, the Department shall provide the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility via certified mail with written notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing. Such hearing must be requested within 10 working days after receipt of the Department's Notice. All hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the Department's rules in administrative hearings.

(c-5) The Department shall find a hospital in violation of this subsection if, after the issuance of a written warning to the hospital as described in subsection (a), the Department's investigation finds that the hospital committed one or more of the following violations:

(1) allowing a nonqualified medical provider to perform and complete the medical forensic service examination;

(2) refusing to offer a medical forensic service examination to the sexual assault survivor;

(3) failing to provide medical management for sexually transmitted infections, medical management for HIV, and emergency contraception; or

(4) failing to offer photographic evidence, failing to secure photographic evidence, or violating Section 6.5.

The Department shall impose a fine of $3,000 for an initial violation of this subsection and a fine of $5,000 for each subsequent violation.

(d) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21; 102-1106, eff. 1-1-23.)

(410 ILCS 70/2.2)

Sec. 2.2. Emergency contraception.

(a) The General Assembly finds:

(1) Crimes of sexual assault and sexual abuse cause significant physical, emotional, and psychological trauma to the victims. This trauma is compounded by a victim's fear of becoming pregnant and bearing a child as a result of the sexual assault.

(2) Each year over 32,000 women become pregnant in the United States as the result of rape and approximately 50% of these pregnancies end in abortion.

(3) As approved for use by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), emergency contraception can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after the sexual assault.

(4) By providing emergency contraception to rape victims in a timely manner, the trauma of rape can be significantly reduced.

(b) Every hospital or approved pediatric health care facility providing services to sexual assault survivors in accordance with a plan approved under Section 2 must develop a protocol that ensures that each survivor of acute sexual assault will receive medically and factually accurate and written and oral information about emergency contraception; the indications and contraindications and risks associated with the use of emergency contraception; and a description of how and when victims may be provided emergency contraception at no cost upon the written order of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant. The Department shall approve the protocol if it finds that the implementation of the protocol would provide sufficient protection for survivors of acute sexual assault.

The hospital or approved pediatric health care facility shall implement the protocol upon approval by the Department. The Department shall adopt rules and regulations establishing one or more safe harbor protocols and setting minimum acceptable protocol standards that hospitals may develop and implement. The Department shall approve any protocol that meets those standards. The Department may provide a sample acceptable protocol upon request.

(c) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21.)

(410 ILCS 70/5) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 87-5)

Sec. 5. Minimum requirements for medical forensic services provided to sexual assault survivors by hospitals and approved pediatric health care facilities.

(a) Every hospital and approved pediatric health care facility providing medical forensic services to acute sexual assault survivors under this Act shall, as minimum requirements for such services, provide, with the consent of the sexual assault survivor, and as ordered by the attending physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant, the services set forth in subsection (a-5).

A qualified medical provider must provide the services set forth in subsection (a-5).

(a-5) A treatment hospital, a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, or an approved pediatric health care facility shall provide the following services in accordance with subsection (a):

(1) Appropriate medical forensic services without delay, in a private, age-appropriate or developmentally-appropriate space, required to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of a sexual assault survivor and which may be used as evidence in a criminal proceeding against a person accused of the sexual assault, in a proceeding under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, or in an investigation under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

Records of medical forensic services, including results of examinations and tests, the Illinois State Police Medical Forensic Documentation Forms, the Illinois State Police Patient Discharge Materials, and the Illinois State Police Patient Consent: Collect and Test Evidence or Collect and Hold Evidence Form, shall be maintained by the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility as part of the patient's electronic medical record.

Records of medical forensic services of sexual assault survivors under the age of 18 shall be retained by the hospital for a period of 60 years after the sexual assault survivor reaches the age of 18. Records of medical forensic services of sexual assault survivors 18 years of age or older shall be retained by the hospital for a period of 20 years after the date the record was created.

Records of medical forensic services may only be disseminated in accordance with Section 6.5 of this Act and other State and federal law.

(1.5) An offer to complete the Illinois Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit for any acute sexual assault survivor who presents within a minimum of the last 7 days of the assault or who has disclosed past sexual assault by a specific individual and was in the care of that individual within a minimum of the last 7 days. Nothing in this Section is intended to prohibit a qualified medical provider from offering an Illinois Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit to a sexual assault survivor who presents at a treatment hospital or approved pediatric health care facility with a nonacute complaint of sexual assault if there is a compelling reason for evidence collection, or upon the request of the survivor.

(A) Appropriate oral and written information concerning evidence-based guidelines for the appropriateness of evidence collection depending on the sexual development of the sexual assault survivor, the type of sexual assault, and the timing of the sexual assault shall be provided to the sexual assault survivor. Evidence collection is encouraged for prepubescent sexual assault survivors who present to a hospital or approved pediatric health care facility with a complaint of acute sexual assault within a minimum of 96 hours after the sexual assault.

The information required under this subparagraph shall be provided in person by the qualified medical provider providing medical forensic services directly to the sexual assault survivor.

The written information provided shall be the information created in accordance with Section 10 of this Act.

(B) Following the discussion regarding the evidence-based guidelines for evidence collection in accordance with subparagraph (A), evidence collection must be completed at the sexual assault survivor's request. A sexual assault nurse examiner conducting an examination using the Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit may do so without the presence or participation of a physician.

(2) Appropriate oral and written information concerning the possibility of infection, sexually transmitted infection, including an evaluation of the sexual assault survivor's risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from sexual assault, and pregnancy resulting from sexual assault.

(3) Appropriate oral and written information concerning accepted medical procedures, laboratory tests, medication, and possible contraindications of such medication available for the prevention or treatment of infection or disease resulting from sexual assault.

(3.5) After a medical evidentiary or physical examination, access to a shower at no cost, unless showering facilities are unavailable.

(4) An amount of medication, including HIV prophylaxis, for treatment at the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility and after discharge as is deemed appropriate by the attending physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and consistent with the hospital's or approved pediatric health care facility's current approved protocol for sexual assault survivors.

(5) Photo documentation of the sexual assault survivor's injuries, anatomy involved in the assault, or other visible evidence on the sexual assault survivor's body to supplement the medical forensic history and written documentation of physical findings and evidence beginning July 1, 2019. Photo documentation does not replace written documentation of the injury.

(6) Written and oral instructions indicating the need for follow-up examinations and laboratory tests after the sexual assault to determine the presence or absence of sexually transmitted infection.

(7) Referral by hospital or approved pediatric health care facility personnel for appropriate counseling.

(8) Medical advocacy services provided by a rape crisis counselor whose communications are protected under Section 8-802.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure, if there is a memorandum of understanding between the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility and a rape crisis center. With the consent of the sexual assault survivor, a rape crisis counselor shall remain in the exam room during the medical forensic examination.

(9) Written information regarding services provided by a Children's Advocacy Center and rape crisis center, if applicable.

(10) A treatment hospital, a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, an out-of-state hospital as defined in Section 5.4, or an approved pediatric health care facility shall comply with the rules relating to the collection and tracking of sexual assault evidence adopted by the Illinois State Police under Section 50 of the Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act.

(11) Written information regarding the Illinois State Police sexual assault evidence tracking system.

(a-7) Every hospital, and approved pediatric health care facility, with a treatment plan approved by the Department shall employ or contract with a qualified medical provider to initiate medical forensic services to a sexual assault survivor within 90 minutes of a concern of acute sexual assault arising at the hospital or facility. the patient presenting to the treatment hospital or treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer. The provision of medical forensic services by a qualified medical provider shall not delay the provision of life-saving medical care.

(b) Any person who is a sexual assault survivor who seeks medical forensic services or follow-up healthcare under this Act shall be provided such services without the consent of any parent, guardian, custodian, surrogate, or agent. If a sexual assault survivor is unable to consent to medical forensic services, the services may be provided under the Consent by Minors to Health Care Services Act, the Health Care Surrogate Act, or other applicable State and federal laws.

(b-5) Every hospital or approved pediatric health care facility providing medical forensic services to sexual assault survivors shall issue a voucher to any sexual assault survivor who is eligible to receive one in accordance with Section 5.2 of this Act. The hospital shall make a copy of the voucher and place it in the medical record of the sexual assault survivor. The hospital shall provide a copy of the voucher to the sexual assault survivor after discharge upon request.

(c) Nothing in this Section creates a physician-patient relationship that extends beyond discharge from the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility.

(d) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-377, eff. 8-16-19; 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 102-1106, eff. 1-1-23.)

(410 ILCS 70/5.3)

Sec. 5.3. Pediatric sexual assault care.

(a) The General Assembly finds:

(1) Pediatric sexual assault survivors can suffer from a wide range of health problems across their life span. In addition to immediate health issues, such as sexually transmitted infections, physical injuries, and psychological trauma, child sexual abuse victims are at greater risk for a plethora of adverse psychological and somatic problems into adulthood in contrast to those who were not sexually abused.

(2) Sexual abuse against the pediatric population is distinct, particularly due to their dependence on their caregivers and the ability of perpetrators to manipulate and silence them (especially when the perpetrators are family members or other adults trusted by, or with power over, children). Sexual abuse is often hidden by perpetrators, unwitnessed by others, and may leave no obvious physical signs on child victims.

(3) Pediatric sexual assault survivors throughout the State should have access to qualified medical providers who have received specialized training regarding the care of pediatric sexual assault survivors within a reasonable distance from their home.

(4) There is a need in Illinois to increase the number of qualified medical providers available to provide medical forensic services to pediatric sexual assault survivors.

(b) If a medically stable pediatric sexual assault survivor presents at a transfer hospital or treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer that has a plan approved by the Department requesting medical forensic services, then the hospital emergency department staff shall contact an approved pediatric health care facility, if one is designated in the hospital's plan.

If the transferring hospital confirms that medical forensic services can be initiated within 90 minutes of the acute sexual assault survivor's patient's arrival at the approved pediatric health care facility following an immediate transfer, then the hospital emergency department staff shall notify the patient and non-offending parent or legal guardian that the patient will be transferred for medical forensic services and shall provide the patient and non-offending parent or legal guardian the option of being transferred to the approved pediatric health care facility or the treatment hospital designated in the hospital's plan. The pediatric sexual assault survivor may be transported by ambulance, law enforcement, or personal vehicle.

If medical forensic services cannot be initiated within 90 minutes of the acute sexual assault survivor's patient's arrival at the approved pediatric health care facility, there is no approved pediatric health care facility designated in the hospital's plan, or the patient or non-offending parent or legal guardian chooses to be transferred to a treatment hospital, the hospital emergency department staff shall contact a treatment hospital designated in the hospital's plan to arrange for the transfer of the patient to the treatment hospital for medical forensic services, which are to be initiated within 90 minutes of the patient's arrival at the treatment hospital. The treatment hospital shall provide medical forensic services and may not transfer the patient to another facility. The pediatric sexual assault survivor may be transported by ambulance, law enforcement, or personal vehicle.

(c) If a medically stable pediatric sexual assault survivor presents at a treatment hospital that has a plan approved by the Department requesting medical forensic services, then the hospital emergency department staff shall contact an approved pediatric health care facility, if one is designated in the treatment hospital's areawide treatment plan.

If medical forensic services can be initiated within 90 minutes after the acute sexual assault survivor's patient's arrival at the approved pediatric health care facility following an immediate transfer, the hospital emergency department staff shall provide the patient and non-offending parent or legal guardian the option of having medical forensic services performed at the treatment hospital or at the approved pediatric health care facility. If the patient or non-offending parent or legal guardian chooses to be transferred, the pediatric sexual assault survivor may be transported by ambulance, law enforcement, or personal vehicle.

If medical forensic services cannot be initiated within 90 minutes after the acute sexual assault survivor's patient's arrival to the approved pediatric health care facility, there is no approved pediatric health care facility designated in the hospital's plan, or the patient or non-offending parent or legal guardian chooses not to be transferred, the hospital shall provide medical forensic services to the patient.

(d) If a pediatric acute sexual assault survivor presents at an approved pediatric health care facility during posted hours of operation requesting medical forensic services or the facility is contacted by law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services requesting medical forensic services for a pediatric acute sexual assault survivor, the services shall be provided at the facility if the medical forensic services can be initiated within 90 minutes after the patient's arrival at the facility. If medical forensic services cannot be initiated within 90 minutes after the acute sexual assault survivor's patient's arrival at the facility, then the patient shall be transferred to a treatment hospital designated in the approved pediatric health care facility's plan for medical forensic services. The pediatric sexual assault survivor may be transported by ambulance, law enforcement, or personal vehicle.

(e) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21.)

(410 ILCS 70/5.4)

Sec. 5.4. Out-of-state hospitals.

(a) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the transfer of a patient in need of medical services from a hospital that has been designated as a trauma center by the Department in accordance with Section 3.90 of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act.

(b) A transfer hospital, treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, or approved pediatric health care facility may transfer a sexual assault survivor to an out-of-state hospital that is located in a county that borders Illinois if the out-of-state hospital: (1) submits an areawide treatment plan approved by the Department; and (2) has certified the following to the Department in a form and manner prescribed by the Department that the out-of-state hospital will:

(i) consent to the jurisdiction of the Department in accordance with Section 2.06 of this Act;

(ii) comply with all requirements of this Act applicable to treatment hospitals, including, but not limited to, offering evidence collection to any Illinois sexual assault survivor who presents with a complaint of acute sexual assault within a minimum of the last 7 days or who has disclosed past sexual assault by a specific individual and was in the care of that individual within a minimum of the last 7 days and not billing the sexual assault survivor for medical forensic services or 180 days of follow-up healthcare;

(iii) use an Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit to collect forensic evidence from an Illinois acute sexual assault survivor;

(iv) ensure its staff cooperates with Illinois law enforcement agencies and are responsive to subpoenas issued by Illinois courts; and

(v) provide appropriate transportation upon the completion of medical forensic services back to the transfer hospital or treatment hospital with pediatric transfer where the sexual assault survivor initially presented seeking medical forensic services, unless the sexual assault survivor chooses to arrange his or her own transportation.

(c) Subsection (b) of this Section is inoperative on and after January 1, 2029.

(Source: P.A. 102-1097, eff. 1-1-23; 102-1106, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

(410 ILCS 70/7.5)

Sec. 7.5. Prohibition on billing sexual assault survivors directly for certain services; written notice; billing protocols.

(a) A hospital, approved pediatric health care facility, health care professional, ambulance provider, laboratory, or pharmacy furnishing medical forensic services, transportation, follow-up healthcare, or medication to a sexual assault survivor shall not:

(1) charge or submit a bill for any portion of the costs of the services, transportation, or medications to the sexual assault survivor, including any insurance deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, denial of claim by an insurer, spenddown, or any other out-of-pocket expense;

(2) communicate with, harass, or intimidate the sexual assault survivor for payment of services, including, but not limited to, repeatedly calling or writing to the sexual assault survivor and threatening to refer the matter to a debt collection agency or to an attorney for collection, enforcement, or filing of other process;

(3) refer a bill to a collection agency or attorney for collection action against the sexual assault survivor;

(4) contact or distribute information to affect the sexual assault survivor's credit rating; or

(5) take any other action adverse to the sexual assault survivor or his or her family on account of providing services to the sexual assault survivor.

(a-5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, subsection (a), a sexual assault survivor who is not the subscriber or primary policyholder of the sexual assault survivor's insurance policy may opt out of billing the sexual assault survivor's private insurance provider. If the sexual assault survivor opts out of billing the sexual assault survivor's private insurance provider, then the bill for medical forensic services shall be sent to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services' Sexual Assault Emergency Treatment Program for reimbursement for the services provided to the sexual assault survivor.

(b) Nothing in this Section precludes a hospital, health care provider, ambulance provider, laboratory, or pharmacy from billing the sexual assault survivor or any applicable health insurance or coverage for inpatient services.

(c) Every hospital and approved pediatric health care facility providing treatment services to sexual assault survivors in accordance with a plan approved under Section 2 of this Act shall provide a written notice to a sexual assault survivor. The written notice must include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) a statement that the sexual assault survivor should not be directly billed by any ambulance provider providing transportation services, or by any hospital, approved pediatric health care facility, health care professional, laboratory, or pharmacy for the services the sexual assault survivor received as an outpatient at the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility;

(2) a statement that a sexual assault survivor who is admitted to a hospital may be billed for inpatient services provided by a hospital, health care professional, laboratory, or pharmacy;

(3) a statement that prior to leaving the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility, the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility will give the sexual assault survivor a sexual assault services voucher for follow-up healthcare if the sexual assault survivor is eligible to receive a sexual assault services voucher;

(4) the definition of "follow-up healthcare" as set forth in Section 1a of this Act;

(5) a phone number the sexual assault survivor may call should the sexual assault survivor receive a bill from the hospital or approved pediatric health care facility for medical forensic services;

(6) the toll-free phone number of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, which the sexual assault survivor may call should the sexual assault survivor receive a bill from an ambulance provider, approved pediatric health care facility, a health care professional, a laboratory, or a pharmacy.

This subsection (c) shall not apply to hospitals that provide transfer services as defined under Section 1a of this Act.

(d) Within 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly, every health care professional, except for those employed by a hospital or hospital affiliate, as defined in the Hospital Licensing Act, or those employed by a hospital operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act, who bills separately for medical or forensic services must develop a billing protocol that ensures that no survivor of sexual assault will be sent a bill for any medical forensic services and submit the billing protocol to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General for approval. Within 60 days after the commencement of the provision of medical forensic services, every health care professional, except for those employed by a hospital or hospital affiliate, as defined in the Hospital Licensing Act, or those employed by a hospital operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act, who bills separately for medical or forensic services must develop a billing protocol that ensures that no survivor of sexual assault is sent a bill for any medical forensic services and submit the billing protocol to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Attorney General for approval. Health care professionals who bill as a legal entity may submit a single billing protocol for the billing entity.

Within 60 days after the Department's approval of a treatment plan, an approved pediatric health care facility and any health care professional employed by an approved pediatric health care facility must develop a billing protocol that ensures that no survivor of sexual assault is sent a bill for any medical forensic services and submit the billing protocol to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General for approval.

The billing protocol must include at a minimum:

(1) a description of training for persons who prepare bills for medical and forensic services;

(2) a written acknowledgement signed by a person who has completed the training that the person will not bill survivors of sexual assault;

(3) prohibitions on submitting any bill for any portion of medical forensic services provided to a survivor of sexual assault to a collection agency;

(4) prohibitions on taking any action that would adversely affect the credit of the survivor of sexual assault;

(5) the termination of all collection activities if the protocol is violated; and

(6) the actions to be taken if a bill is sent to a collection agency or the failure to pay is reported to any credit reporting agency.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General may provide a sample acceptable billing protocol upon request.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General shall approve a proposed protocol if it finds that the implementation of the protocol would result in no survivor of sexual assault being billed or sent a bill for medical forensic services.

If the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General determines that implementation of the protocol could result in the billing of a survivor of sexual assault for medical forensic services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General shall provide the health care professional or approved pediatric health care facility with a written statement of the deficiencies in the protocol. The health care professional or approved pediatric health care facility shall have 30 days to submit a revised billing protocol addressing the deficiencies to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General. The health care professional or approved pediatric health care facility shall implement the protocol upon approval by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General.

The health care professional or approved pediatric health care facility shall submit any proposed revision to or modification of an approved billing protocol to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Attorney General for approval. The health care professional or approved pediatric health care facility shall implement the revised or modified billing protocol upon approval by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

(e) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 101-652, eff. 7-1-21; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21; 102-1097, eff. 1-1-23.)

(410 ILCS 70/10)

Sec. 10. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program.

(a) The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program is established within the Office of the Attorney General. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program shall maintain a list of sexual assault nurse examiners who have completed didactic and clinical training requirements consistent with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

(b) By March 1, 2019, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program shall develop and make available to hospitals 2 hours of online sexual assault training for emergency department clinical staff to meet the training requirement established in subsection (a) of Section 2. Notwithstanding any other law regarding ongoing licensure requirements, such training shall count toward the continuing medical education and continuing nursing education credits for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and registered professional nurses.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program shall provide didactic and clinical training opportunities consistent with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses, in sufficient numbers and geographical locations across the State, to assist treatment hospitals and approved pediatric health care facilities with training the necessary number of sexual assault nurse examiners to comply with the requirement of this Act to employ or contract with a qualified medical provider to initiate medical forensic services to a sexual assault survivor within 90 minutes of a concern of acute sexual assault arising at the hospital or facility the patient presenting to the hospital as required in subsection (a-7) of Section 5.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program shall assist hospitals in establishing trainings to achieve the requirements of this Act.

For the purpose of providing continuing medical education credit in accordance with the Medical Practice Act of 1987 and administrative rules adopted under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 and continuing education credit in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and administrative rules adopted under the Nurse Practice Act to health care professionals for the completion of sexual assault training provided by the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program under this Act, the Office of the Attorney General shall be considered a State agency.

(c) The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, in consultation with qualified medical providers, shall create uniform materials that all treatment hospitals, treatment hospitals with approved pediatric transfer, and approved pediatric health care facilities are required to give patients and non-offending parents or legal guardians, if applicable, regarding the medical forensic exam procedure, laws regarding consenting to medical forensic services, and the benefits and risks of evidence collection, including recommended time frames for evidence collection pursuant to evidence-based research. These materials shall be made available to all hospitals and approved pediatric health care facilities on the Office of the Attorney General's website.

(d) This Section is effective on and after January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-634, eff. 6-5-20; 102-22, eff. 6-25-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21.)