093_HB2609

 
                                     LRB093 07870 MKM 08060 b

 1        AN ACT concerning hospitals.

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

 4        Section  5. The Emergency Medical Services Systems Act is
 5    amended by adding Section 3.21 as follows:

 6        (210 ILCS 50/3.21 new)
 7        Sec.  3.21.  Hospital  first  responders.   The   General
 8    Assembly   finds   that  in  the  event  of  terrorist  acts,
 9    especially those involving the release of biological  agents,
10    bacteria,  viruses, or other agents intended to cause illness
11    or injury, hospitals serve as first responders in  diagnosing
12    and  treating the victims of those acts. As first responders,
13    hospitals are on the front lines  of  the  State's  emergency
14    management   efforts.   Given   the   increased  demands  for
15    equipment, materials,  and  training  associated  with  their
16    responsibility  as first responders in the event of terrorist
17    acts, hospitals would benefit from  additional  resources  to
18    enable  them  to  be  better  prepared to protect and aid the
19    residents of the State. In awarding funds to support disaster
20    preparedness by first  responders,  the  Department  and  any
21    other  State  agencies  shall  take  into account the role of
22    hospitals in being prepared  to  respond  to  emergencies  or
23    disasters.

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