August 25,
2009
To the
Honorable Members of the Illinois House of Representatives,
96th
General Assembly:
Today, I
return House Bill 927 with a specific recommendation for change. This bill
promotes good health and well-being—goals that each of should attempt to
implement into our lifestyles. As Governor, I am committed to making sure that
there are entities within our state government that can assist people in
adopting good health practices.
Therefore,
pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I
hereby return House Bill 927, entitled “AN ACT concerning regulation.”, with
the following specific recommendation for change:
on page 2,
below line 13, by inserting the following:
“Section 7.
The Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil
Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 2310-640 as
follows:
(20 ILCS
2310/2310-640 new)
Sec. 2310-640. Public Health Advocate; wellness planning.
(a) There is created within the
Department of Public Health an office to be known as the Office of the Public
Health Advocate. The office shall be headed by the Public Health Advocate who
shall be appointed by the Governor to a term of 4 years.
(b) Subject to appropriation, and
in cooperation with the Department of Insurance, the Office shall provide
information and assistance to consumers by:
(1) developing wellness programs to
improve public health through education, counseling, and identifying health
risks;
(2) creating educational programs,
recommending strategies for preventing illness, and developing cures for
diabetes;
(3) assisting consumers in
understanding public health programs and coverage provisions such as wellness
coverage;
(4) educating consumers about their
rights within public health programs;
(5) analyzing, monitoring, and
making publicly available reports on the development and implementation of
federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and other governmental policies
and actions that pertain to the adequacy of public health programs, facilities,
and services;
(6) conducting, supporting, and
assisting research, surveys, investigations, conferences, projects, and
informational activities concerning the interests of health care consumers; and
(7) performing all duties assigned
to the Office by the Director of Public Health.”.
With this change, House Bill 927 will have my approval. I
respectfully request your concurrence.
Sincerely,
PAT QUINN
Governor