Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB1640

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.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Changes the name of the task force from the Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Task Force to the Multiple Sclerosis Task Force. With regard to the General Assembly's findings and declarations, includes findings concerning MS populations in the State and the costs associated with MS. With regard to the purpose of the Task Force, includes addressing the financial challenges of persons with MS. Changes the Task Force membership from 11 to 16. Provides that 14 (instead of 9) public members shall be appointed by the Director of Public Health, including 3 registered nurses or other health professionals with MS certification and extensive expertise with progressed MS; 3 (instead of 2) persons who represent agencies that provide services or support to individuals with MS in this State; and 3 (instead of 2) persons who have MS, at least one of whom having progressed MS. Deletes a reference to the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Provides that the Task Force shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. Changes the Task Force's reporting date from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Includes within the provision concerning the purpose of the Task Force, developing strategies to improve multiple sclerosis education and awareness. Provides that the public members shall serve without compensation and shall not be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties unless funds become available to the Task Force (rather than the public members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties and within the limits of funds available to the Task Force).

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