98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2013 and 2014
SB1640

 

Introduced 2/13/2013, by Sen. John J. Cullerton

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
20 ILCS 2310/2310-665 new

    Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to create the Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Task Force. Sets forth the findings and declarations of the General Assembly. Provides that the purpose of the Task Force shall be to (1) develop strategies to identify and address the unmet needs of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to enhance the quality of life of persons with MS by maximizing productivity and independence and addressing emotional, social, and vocational challenges of persons with MS and (2) develop strategies to provide persons with MS greater access to various treatments and other therapeutic options that may be available. Sets forth provisions concerning membership, meetings, and Task Force assistance and staff support. Provides that the Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and to the General Assembly, along with any legislative bills that it desires to recommend for adoption by the General Assembly, no later than January 1, 2015. Repeals the Section on January 1, 2016.


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A BILL FOR

 

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1    AN ACT concerning State government.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Department of Public Health Powers and
5Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is
6amended by adding Section 2310-665 as follows:
 
7    (20 ILCS 2310/2310-665 new)
8    Sec. 2310-665. Multiple Sclerosis Task Force.
9    (a) The General Assembly finds and declares the following:
10        (1) Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often
11    disabling, disease that attacks the central nervous
12    system, which is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, and
13    optic nerves. It is a disease in which the body, through
14    its immune system, launches a defensive and damaging attack
15    against its own tissues. MS damages the nerve-insulating
16    myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the brain. The
17    damage to the myelin sheath slows down or blocks messages
18    between the brain and the body.
19        (2) Most people experience their first symptoms of MS
20    between the ages of 20 and 40. MS symptoms can include
21    visual disturbances, muscle weakness, trouble with
22    coordination and balance, sensations such as numbness,
23    prickling or pins and needles, and thought and memory

 

 

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1    problems. MS patients can also experience partial or
2    complete paralysis, speech impediments, tremors,
3    dizziness, stiffness and spasms, fatigue, paresthesias,
4    pain, and loss of sensation.
5        (3) The cause of MS remains unknown; however, having a
6    first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with MS
7    significantly increases a person's risk of developing the
8    disease. According to the National Institute of
9    Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is estimated that
10    there are approximately 250,000 to 350,000 persons in the
11    United States who are diagnosed with MS. This estimate
12    suggests that approximately 200 new cases are diagnosed
13    each week.
14        (4) Presently, there is no cure for MS. While some
15    scientists look for therapies that will affect the overall
16    course of the disease, others search for new and better
17    medications to control the symptoms of MS without
18    triggering intolerable side effects.
19        (5) Therefore, it is in the public interest for the
20    State to establish a Multiple Sclerosis Task Force in order
21    to identify and address the unmet needs of persons with MS
22    and develop ways to enhance their quality of life.
23    (b) There is established the Illinois Multiple Sclerosis
24Task Force in the Department of Public Health. The purpose of
25the Task Force shall be to:
26        (1) develop strategies to identify and address the

 

 

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1    unmet needs of persons with MS in order to enhance the
2    quality of life of persons with MS by maximizing
3    productivity and independence and addressing emotional,
4    social, and vocational challenges of persons with MS; and
5        (2) develop strategies to provide persons with MS
6    greater access to various treatments and other therapeutic
7    options that may be available.
8    (c) The Task Force shall consist of 11 members as follows:
9        (1) the Director of Public Health and the Secretary of
10    Human Services, or their designees, who shall serve ex
11    officio; and
12        (2) nine public members, who shall be appointed by the
13    Director of Public Health as follows: 2 neurologists
14    licensed to practice medicine in this State; one person
15    upon the recommendation of the National Multiple Sclerosis
16    Society, Greater Illinois Chapter; 2 persons who represent
17    agencies that provide services or support to individuals
18    with MS in this State; 2 persons who have MS; and 2 members
19    of the public with a demonstrated expertise in issues
20    relating to the work of the Task Force.
21    Vacancies in the membership of the Task Force shall be
22filled in the same manner provided for in the original
23appointments.
24    (d) The Task Force shall organize within 120 days following
25the appointment of a majority of its members and shall select a
26chairperson and vice-chairperson from among the members. The

 

 

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1chairperson shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member
2of the Task Force.
3    (e) The public members shall serve without compensation,
4but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the
5performance of their duties and within the limits of funds
6available to the Task Force.
7    (f) The Task Force may meet and hold hearings as it deems
8appropriate.
9    (g) The Department of Public Health shall provide staff
10support to the Task Force.
11    (h) The Task Force shall report its findings and
12recommendations to the Governor and to the General Assembly,
13along with any legislative bills that it desires to recommend
14for adoption by the General Assembly, no later than January 1,
152015.
16    (j) This Section is repealed on January 1, 2016.