HB4476eng 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB4476 Engrossed LRB093 19568 AMC 45308 b

AN ACT concerning public health.

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

Section 5. The Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Section 2310-215 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2310/2310-215) (was 20 ILCS 2310/55.62)

Sec. 2310-215. Center for Minority Health Services.

(a) The Department shall establish a Center for Minority Health Services to advise the Department on matters pertaining to the health needs of minority populations within the State.

(b) The Center shall have the following duties:

(1) To assist in the assessment of the health needs of minority populations in the State.

(2) To recommend treatment methods and programs that are sensitive and relevant to the unique linguistic, cultural, and ethnic characteristics of minority populations.

(3) To provide consultation, technical assistance, training programs, and reference materials to service providers, organizations, and other agencies.

(4) To promote awareness of minority health concerns, and encourage, promote, and aid in the establishment of minority services.

(5) To disseminate information on available minority services.

(6) To provide adequate and effective opportunities for minority populations to express their views on Departmental policy development and program implementation.

(7) To coordinate with the Department on Aging and the Department of Public Aid to coordinate services designed to meet the needs of minority senior citizens.

(8) To promote awareness of the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among minority populations and to encourage, promote, and aid in the establishment of prevention and treatment programs and services relating to this health problem.

(c) For the purpose of this Section, "minority" shall mean and include any person or group of persons who are:

(1) African-American (a person having origins in any of the black racial groups in Africa);

(2) Hispanic (a person of Spanish or Portuguese culture with origins in Mexico, South or Central America, or the Caribbean Islands, regardless of race);

(3) Asian American (a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent or the Pacific Islands); or

(4) American Indian or Alaskan Native (a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America).

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)