210 ILCS 50/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act.

(210 ILCS 50/1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5501)

Sec. 1. Short title.) This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act".

(Source: P.A. 81-1518; 88-1.)

(210 ILCS 50/2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5502)

Sec. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that it is the intent of this legislation to provide the State with systems for emergency medical services by establishing within the State Department of Public Health a central authority responsible for the coordination and integration of all activities within the State concerning pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency medical services, as well as non-emergency medical transports, and the overall planning, evaluation, and regulation of pre-hospital emergency medical services systems.

The provisions of this Act shall not be construed to deny emergency medical services to persons outside the boundaries of this State nor to limit, restrict, or prevent any cooperative agreement for the provision of emergency medical services between this State, or any of its political subdivisions, and any other State or its political subdivisions or a federal agency.

The provisions of this Act shall not be construed to regulate the emergency transportation of persons by friends or family members, in personal vehicles that are not ambulances, specialized emergency medical service vehicles, first response vehicles or medical carriers.

This legislation is intended to provide minimum standards for the statewide delivery of EMS services. It is recognized, however, that diversities exist between different areas of the State, based on geography, location of health care facilities, availability of personnel, and financial resources. The Legislature therefore intends that the implementation and enforcement of this Act by the Illinois Department of Public Health accommodate those varying needs and interests to the greatest extent possible without jeopardizing appropriate standards of medical care, through the Department's exercise of the waiver provision of this Act and its adoption of rules pursuant to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 88-1; 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5503)

Sec. 3. Applicability.) This Act is not a limitation on the powers of home rule units.

(Source: P.A. 81-1518; 88-1.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.5)

Sec. 3.5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Clinical observation" means the ongoing observation of a patient's medical or mental health condition by a licensed health care professional utilizing a medical skill set while continuing assessment and care.

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Public Health.

"Director" means the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

"Emergency" means a medical condition of recent onset and severity that would lead a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of medicine and health, to believe that urgent or unscheduled medical care is required.

"Emergency Medical Services personnel" or "EMS personnel" means persons licensed as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) (First Responder), Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (EMT-I), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (A-EMT), Paramedic (EMT-P), Emergency Communications Registered Nurse (ECRN), Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse (PHRN), Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (PHAPRN), or Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant (PHPA).

"Exclusive representative" has the same meaning as defined in Section 3 of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act.

"Health care facility" means a hospital, nursing home, physician's office or other fixed location at which medical and health care services are performed. It does not include "pre-hospital emergency care settings" which utilize EMS personnel to render pre-hospital emergency care prior to the arrival of a transport vehicle, as defined in this Act.

"Hospital" has the meaning ascribed to that term in the Hospital Licensing Act.

"Labor organization" has the same meaning as defined in Section 3 of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act.

"Medical monitoring" means the performance of medical tests and physical exams to evaluate an individual's ongoing exposure to a factor that could negatively impact that person's health. "Medical monitoring" includes close surveillance or supervision of patients liable to suffer deterioration in physical or mental health and checks of various parameters such as pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, the condition of the pupils, the level of consciousness and awareness, the degree of appreciation of pain, and blood gas concentrations such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

"Silver spanner program" means a program in which a member under a fire department's or fire protection district's collective bargaining agreement works on or at the EMS System under another fire department's or fire protection district's collective bargaining agreement and (i) the other fire department or fire protection district is not the member's full-time employer and (ii) any EMS services not included under the original fire department's or fire protection district's collective bargaining agreement are included in the other fire department's or fire protection district's collective bargaining agreement.

"Trauma" means any significant injury which involves single or multiple organ systems.

(Source: P.A. 103-521, eff. 1-1-24; 103-689, eff. 1-1-25.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.10)

Sec. 3.10. Scope of services.

(a) "Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services" means an advanced level of pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical services that includes basic life support care, cardiac monitoring, cardiac defibrillation, electrocardiography, intravenous therapy, administration of medications, drugs and solutions, use of adjunctive medical devices, trauma care, and other authorized techniques and procedures, as outlined in the provisions of the National EMS Education Standards relating to Advanced Life Support and any modifications to that curriculum specified in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

That care shall be initiated as authorized by the EMS Medical Director in a Department approved advanced life support EMS System, under the written or verbal direction of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or under the verbal direction of an Emergency Communications Registered Nurse.

(b) "Intermediate Life Support (ILS) Services" means an intermediate level of pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical services that includes basic life support care plus intravenous cannulation and fluid therapy, invasive airway management, trauma care, and other authorized techniques and procedures, as outlined in the Intermediate Life Support national curriculum of the United States Department of Transportation and any modifications to that curriculum specified in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

That care shall be initiated as authorized by the EMS Medical Director in a Department approved intermediate or advanced life support EMS System, under the written or verbal direction of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or under the verbal direction of an Emergency Communications Registered Nurse.

(c) "Basic Life Support (BLS) Services" means a basic level of pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical services that includes medical monitoring, clinical observation, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control of shock and bleeding and splinting of fractures, as outlined in the provisions of the National EMS Education Standards relating to Basic Life Support and any modifications to that curriculum specified in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

That care shall be initiated, where authorized by the EMS Medical Director in a Department approved EMS System, under the written or verbal direction of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or under the verbal direction of an Emergency Communications Registered Nurse.

(d) "Emergency Medical Responder Services" means a preliminary level of pre-hospital emergency care that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), monitoring vital signs and control of bleeding, as outlined in the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) curriculum of the National EMS Education Standards and any modifications to that curriculum specified in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(e) "Pre-hospital care" means those medical services rendered to patients for analytic, resuscitative, stabilizing, or preventive purposes, precedent to and during transportation of such patients to health care facilities.

(f) "Inter-hospital care" means those medical services rendered to patients for analytic, resuscitative, stabilizing, or preventive purposes, during transportation of such patients from one hospital to another hospital.

(f-5) "Critical care transport" means the pre-hospital or inter-hospital transportation of a critically injured or ill patient by a vehicle service provider, including the provision of medically necessary supplies and services, at a level of service beyond the scope of the Paramedic. When medically indicated for a patient, as determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant, in compliance with subsections (b) and (c) of Section 3.155 of this Act, critical care transport may be provided by:

(1) Department-approved critical care transport providers, not owned or operated by a hospital, utilizing Paramedics with additional training, nurses, or other qualified health professionals; or

(2) Hospitals, when utilizing any vehicle service provider or any hospital-owned or operated vehicle service provider. Nothing in Public Act 96-1469 requires a hospital to use, or to be, a Department-approved critical care transport provider when transporting patients, including those critically injured or ill. Nothing in this Act shall restrict or prohibit a hospital from providing, or arranging for, the medically appropriate transport of any patient, as determined by a physician licensed to practice in all of its branches, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant.

(g) "Non-emergency medical services" means the provision of, and all actions necessary before and after the provision of, Basic Life Support (BLS) Services, Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services, and critical care transport to patients whose conditions do not meet this Act's definition of emergency, before, after, or during transportation of such patients to or from health care facilities visited for the purpose of obtaining medical or health care services which are not emergency in nature, using a vehicle regulated by this Act and personnel licensed under this Act.

(g-5) The Department shall have the authority to promulgate minimum standards for critical care transport providers through rules adopted pursuant to this Act. All critical care transport providers must function within a Department-approved EMS System. Nothing in Department rules shall restrict a hospital's ability to furnish personnel, equipment, and medical supplies to any vehicle service provider, including a critical care transport provider. Minimum critical care transport provider standards shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Personnel staffing and licensure.

(2) Education, certification, and experience.

(3) Medical equipment and supplies.

(4) Vehicular standards.

(5) Treatment and transport protocols.

(6) Quality assurance and data collection.

(h) The provisions of this Act shall not apply to the use of an ambulance or SEMSV, unless and until emergency or non-emergency medical services are needed during the use of the ambulance or SEMSV.

(Source: P.A. 102-623, eff. 8-27-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.15)

Sec. 3.15. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regions. The Department shall designate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regions within the State, consisting of specific geographic areas encompassing EMS Systems and trauma centers, in which emergency medical services, trauma services, and non-emergency medical services are coordinated under an EMS Region Plan.

In designating EMS Regions, the Department shall take into consideration, but not be limited to, the location of existing EMS Systems, Trauma Regions and trauma centers, existing patterns of inter-System transports, population locations and density, transportation modalities, and geographical distance from available trauma and emergency department care.

Use of the term Trauma Region to identify a specific geographic area shall be discontinued upon designation of areas as EMS Regions.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.20)

Sec. 3.20. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems.

(a) "Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System" means an organization of hospitals, vehicle service providers and personnel approved by the Department in a specific geographic area, which coordinates and provides pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical transports at a BLS, ILS and/or ALS level pursuant to a System program plan submitted to and approved by the Department, and pursuant to the EMS Region Plan adopted for the EMS Region in which the System is located.

(b) One hospital in each System program plan must be designated as the Resource Hospital. All other hospitals which are located within the geographic boundaries of a System and which have standby, basic or comprehensive level emergency departments must function in that EMS System as either an Associate Hospital or Participating Hospital and follow all System policies specified in the System Program Plan, including but not limited to the replacement of drugs and equipment used by providers who have delivered patients to their emergency departments. All hospitals and vehicle service providers participating in an EMS System must specify their level of participation in the System Program Plan.

(c) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Approve BLS, ILS and ALS level EMS Systems which meet minimum standards and criteria established in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, including the submission of a Program Plan for Department approval. Beginning September 1, 1997, the Department shall approve the development of a new EMS System only when a local or regional need for establishing such System has been verified by the Department. This shall not be construed as a needs assessment for health planning or other purposes outside of this Act. Following Department approval, EMS Systems must be fully operational within one year from the date of approval.

(2) Monitor EMS Systems, based on minimum standards for continuing operation as prescribed in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, which shall include requirements for submitting Program Plan amendments to the Department for approval.

(3) Renew EMS System approvals every 4 years, after an inspection, based on compliance with the standards for continuing operation prescribed in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(4) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew approval of any EMS System, after providing an opportunity for a hearing, when findings show that it does not meet the minimum standards for continuing operation as prescribed by the Department, or is found to be in violation of its previously approved Program Plan.

(5) Require each EMS System to adopt written protocols for the bypassing of or diversion to any hospital, trauma center or regional trauma center, which provide that a person shall not be transported to a facility other than the nearest hospital, regional trauma center or trauma center unless the medical benefits to the patient reasonably expected from the provision of appropriate medical treatment at a more distant facility outweigh the increased risks to the patient from transport to the more distant facility, or the transport is in accordance with the System's protocols for patient choice or refusal.

(6) Require that the EMS Medical Director of an ILS or ALS level EMS System be a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches in Illinois, and certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine, and that the EMS Medical Director of a BLS level EMS System be a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches in Illinois, with regular and frequent involvement in pre-hospital emergency medical services. In addition, all EMS Medical Directors shall:

(A) Have experience on an EMS vehicle at the highest level available within the System, or make provision to gain such experience within 12 months prior to the date responsibility for the System is assumed or within 90 days after assuming the position;

(B) Be thoroughly knowledgeable of all skills included in the scope of practices of all levels of EMS personnel within the System;

(C) Have or make provision to gain experience instructing students at a level similar to that of the levels of EMS personnel within the System; and

(D) For ILS and ALS EMS Medical Directors, successfully complete a Department-approved EMS Medical Director's Course.

(7) Prescribe statewide EMS data elements to be collected and documented by providers in all EMS Systems for all emergency and non-emergency medical services, with a one-year phase-in for commencing collection of such data elements.

(8) Define, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act, the terms "Resource Hospital", "Associate Hospital", "Participating Hospital", "Basic Emergency Department", "Standby Emergency Department", "Comprehensive Emergency Department", "EMS Medical Director", "EMS Administrative Director", and "EMS System Coordinator".

(A) (Blank).

(B) (Blank).

(9) Investigate the circumstances that caused a hospital in an EMS system to go on bypass status to determine whether that hospital's decision to go on bypass status was reasonable. The Department may impose sanctions, as set forth in Section 3.140 of the Act, upon a Department determination that the hospital unreasonably went on bypass status in violation of the Act.

(10) Evaluate the capacity and performance of any freestanding emergency center established under Section 32.5 of this Act in meeting emergency medical service needs of the public, including compliance with applicable emergency medical standards and assurance of the availability of and immediate access to the highest quality of medical care possible.

(11) Permit limited EMS System participation by facilities operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Subject to patient preference, Illinois EMS providers may transport patients to Veterans Health Administration facilities that voluntarily participate in an EMS System. Any Veterans Health Administration facility seeking limited participation in an EMS System shall agree to comply with all Department administrative rules implementing this Section. The Department may promulgate rules, including, but not limited to, the types of Veterans Health Administration facilities that may participate in an EMS System and the limitations of participation.

(12) Ensure that EMS systems are transporting pregnant women to the appropriate facilities based on the classification of the levels of maternal care described under subsection (a) of Section 2310-223 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(13) Provide administrative support to the EMT Training, Recruitment, and Retention Task Force.

(Source: P.A. 103-547, eff. 8-11-23.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.21)

Sec. 3.21. Hospital first responders. The General Assembly finds that in the event of terrorist acts, especially those involving the release of biological agents, bacteria, viruses, or other agents intended to cause illness or injury, hospitals serve as first responders in diagnosing and treating the victims of those acts. As first responders, hospitals are on the front lines of the State's emergency management efforts. Given the increased demands for equipment, materials, and training associated with their responsibility as first responders in the event of terrorist acts, hospitals would benefit from additional resources to enable them to be better prepared to protect and aid the residents of the State. In awarding funds to support disaster preparedness by first responders, the Department and any other State agencies shall take into account the role of hospitals in being prepared to respond to emergencies or disasters.

(Source: P.A. 93-249, eff. 7-22-03.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.22)

Sec. 3.22. EMT Training, Recruitment, and Retention Task Force.

(a) The EMT Training, Recruitment, and Retention Task Force is created to address the following:

(1) the impact that the EMT and Paramedic shortage is having on this State's EMS System and health care system;

(2) barriers to the training, recruitment, and retention of Emergency Medical Technicians throughout this State;

(3) steps that the State of Illinois can take, including coordination and identification of State and federal funding sources, to assist Illinois high schools, community colleges, and ground ambulance providers to train, recruit, and retain emergency medical technicians;

(4) the examination of current testing mechanisms for EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics and the utilization of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, including current pass rates by licensure level, national utilization, and test preparation strategies;

(5) how apprenticeship programs, local, regional, and statewide, can be utilized to recruit and retain EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics;

(6) how ground ambulance reimbursement affects the recruitment and retention of EMTs and Paramedics; and

(7) all other areas that the Task Force deems necessary to examine and assist in the recruitment and retention of EMTs and Paramedics.

(b) The Task Force shall be comprised of the following members:

(1) one member of the Illinois General Assembly, appointed by the President of the Senate, who shall serve as co-chair;

(2) one member of the Illinois General Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(3) one member of the Illinois General Assembly, appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;

(4) one member of the Illinois General Assembly, appointed by the House Minority Leader, who shall serve as co-chair;

(5) 9 members representing private ground ambulance providers throughout this State representing for-profit and non-profit rural and urban ground ambulance providers, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(6) 3 members representing hospitals, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with one member representing safety-net hospitals and one member representing rural hospitals;

(7) 3 members representing a statewide association of nursing homes, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(8) one member representing the State Board of Education, appointed by the House Minority Leader;

(9) 2 EMS Medical Directors from a Regional EMS Medical Directors Committee, appointed by the Governor; and

(10) one member representing the Illinois Community College Systems, appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(c) Members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation.

(d) The Task Force shall convene at the call of the co-chairs and shall hold at least 6 meetings.

(e) The Task Force shall submit its final report to the General Assembly and the Governor no later than September 1, 2024, and upon the submission of its final report, the Task Force shall be dissolved.

(Source: P.A. 103-547, eff. 8-11-23; 103-563, eff. 11-17-23.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.25)

Sec. 3.25. EMS Region Plan; development.

(a) Within 6 months after designation of an EMS Region, an EMS Region Plan addressing at least the information prescribed in Section 3.30 shall be submitted to the Department for approval. The Plan shall be developed by the Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee with advice from the Regional EMS Advisory Committee; portions of the plan concerning trauma shall be developed jointly with the Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors or Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee, whichever is applicable, with advice from the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee, if such Advisory Committee has been established in the Region. Portions of the Plan concerning stroke shall be developed jointly with the Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee.

(1) A Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee shall be comprised of the Region's EMS Medical Directors, along with the medical advisor to a fire department vehicle service provider. For regions which include a municipal fire department serving a population of over 2,000,000 people, that fire department's medical advisor shall serve on the Committee. For other regions, the fire department vehicle service providers shall select which medical advisor to serve on the Committee on an annual basis.

(2) A Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee shall be comprised of the Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors.

(b) A Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors may choose to participate in the development of the EMS Region Plan through membership on the Regional EMS Advisory Committee, rather than through a separate Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee. If that option is selected, the Region's Trauma Center Medical Director shall also determine whether a separate Regional Trauma Advisory Committee is necessary for the Region.

(c) In the event of disputes over content of the Plan between the Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee and the Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors or Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee, whichever is applicable, the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health shall intervene through a mechanism established by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act. An individual interviewed or investigated by an EMS Medical Director or the Department shall have the right to a union representative and legal counsel of the individual's choosing present at any interview. The union representative must comply with any confidentiality requirements and requirements for the protection of any patient information presented during the proceeding.

(d) "Regional EMS Advisory Committee" means a committee formed within an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Region to advise the Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee and to select the Region's representative to the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, consisting of at least the members of the Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee, the Chair of the Regional Trauma Committee, the EMS System Coordinators from each Resource Hospital within the Region, one administrative representative from an Associate Hospital within the Region, one administrative representative from a Participating Hospital within the Region, one administrative representative from the vehicle service provider which responds to the highest number of calls for emergency service within the Region, one representative from the vehicle service provider that responds to the highest number of calls for non-emergency services within the Region, one representative from the labor organization recognized as the exclusive representative of employees of the vehicle service provider that responds to the highest number of calls for non-emergency services within the Region, if applicable, one administrative representative of a vehicle service provider from each System within the Region, one representative from a labor organization recognized as the exclusive representative of a vehicle service provider's employees in each System and selected by a statewide organization of such labor organizations, one individual from each level of license provided in Section 3.50 of this Act, one Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse practicing within the Region, and one registered professional nurse currently practicing in an emergency department within the Region. Of the 2 administrative representatives of vehicle service providers, at least one shall be an administrative representative of a private vehicle service provider. The Department's Regional EMS Coordinator for each Region shall serve as a non-voting member of that Region's EMS Advisory Committee.

Every 2 years, the members of the Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee shall rotate serving as Committee Chair, and select the Associate Hospital, Participating Hospital and vehicle service providers which shall send representatives to the Advisory Committee, and the EMS personnel and nurse who shall serve on the Advisory Committee.

(e) "Regional Trauma Advisory Committee" means a committee formed within an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Region, to advise the Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee, consisting of at least the Trauma Center Medical Directors and Trauma Coordinators from each Trauma Center within the Region, one EMS Medical Director from a resource hospital within the Region, one EMS System Coordinator from another resource hospital within the Region, one representative each from a public and private vehicle service provider which transports trauma patients within the Region, an administrative representative from each trauma center within the Region, one EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, or PHRN representing the highest level of EMS personnel practicing within the Region, one emergency physician, and one Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) currently practicing in a trauma center. The Department's Regional EMS Coordinator for each Region shall serve as a non-voting member of that Region's Trauma Advisory Committee.

Every 2 years, the members of the Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee shall rotate serving as Committee Chair, and select the vehicle service providers, EMS personnel, emergency physician, EMS System Coordinator and TNS who shall serve on the Advisory Committee.

(Source: P.A. 103-521, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.30)

Sec. 3.30. EMS Region Plan; content.

(a) The EMS Medical Directors Committee shall address at least the following:

(1) Protocols for inter-System/inter-Region patient transports, including identifying the conditions of emergency patients which may not be transported to the different levels of emergency department, based on their Department classifications and relevant Regional considerations (e.g. transport times and distances);

(2) Regional standing medical orders;

(3) Patient transfer patterns, including criteria for determining whether a patient needs the specialized services of a trauma center, along with protocols for the bypassing of or diversion to any hospital, trauma center or regional trauma center which are consistent with individual System bypass or diversion protocols and protocols for patient choice or refusal;

(4) Protocols for resolving Regional or Inter-System conflict;

(5) An EMS disaster preparedness plan which includes the actions and responsibilities of all EMS participants within the Region. Within 90 days of the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1996, an EMS System shall submit to the Department for review an internal disaster plan. At a minimum, the plan shall include contingency plans for the transfer of patients to other facilities if an evacuation of the hospital becomes necessary due to a catastrophe, including but not limited to, a power failure;

(6) Regional standardization of continuing education requirements;

(7) Regional standardization of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) policies, and protocols for power of attorney for health care;

(8) Protocols for disbursement of Department grants;

(9) Protocols for the triage, treatment, and transport of possible acute stroke patients; and

(10) Regional standing medical orders for the administration of opioid antagonists.

(b) The Trauma Center Medical Directors or Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee shall address at least the following:

(1) The identification of Regional Trauma Centers;

(2) Protocols for inter-System and inter-Region trauma patient transports, including identifying the conditions of emergency patients which may not be transported to the different levels of emergency department, based on their Department classifications and relevant Regional considerations (e.g. transport times and distances);

(3) Regional trauma standing medical orders;

(4) Trauma patient transfer patterns, including criteria for determining whether a patient needs the specialized services of a trauma center, along with protocols for the bypassing of or diversion to any hospital, trauma center or regional trauma center which are consistent with individual System bypass or diversion protocols and protocols for patient choice or refusal;

(5) The identification of which types of patients can be cared for by Level I Trauma Centers, Level II Trauma Centers, and Level III Trauma Centers;

(6) Criteria for inter-hospital transfer of trauma patients;

(7) The treatment of trauma patients in each trauma center within the Region;

(8) A program for conducting a quarterly conference which shall include at a minimum a discussion of morbidity and mortality between all professional staff involved in the care of trauma patients;

(9) The establishment of a Regional trauma quality assurance and improvement subcommittee, consisting of trauma surgeons, which shall perform periodic medical audits of each trauma center's trauma services, and forward tabulated data from such reviews to the Department; and

(10) The establishment of an internal disaster plan, which shall include, at a minimum, contingency plans for the transfer of patients to other facilities if an evacuation of the hospital becomes necessary due to a catastrophe, including but not limited to, a power failure.

(c) The Region's EMS Medical Directors and Trauma Center Medical Directors Committees shall appoint any subcommittees which they deem necessary to address specific issues concerning Region activities.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.35)

Sec. 3.35. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Resource Hospital; Functions. The Resource Hospital of an EMS System shall:

(a) Prepare a Program Plan in accordance with the provisions of this Act and minimum standards and criteria established in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and submit such Program Plan to the Department for approval.

(b) Appoint an EMS Medical Director, who will continually monitor and supervise the System and who will have the responsibility and authority for total management of the System as delegated by the EMS Resource Hospital.

The Program Plan shall require the EMS Medical Director to appoint an alternate EMS Medical Director and establish a written protocol addressing the functions to be carried out in his or her absence.

(c) Appoint an EMS System Coordinator and EMS Administrative Director in consultation with the EMS Medical Director and in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(d) Identify potential EMS System participants and obtain commitments from them for the provision of services.

(e) Educate or coordinate the education of EMS personnel and all other license holders in accordance with the requirements of this Act, rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and the EMS System Program Plan. An EMS System may coordinate education outside of the region of which it is located with valid justification and Department approval. The didactic portion of education may be conducted through an online platform with EMS System and Department approval. An education plan within a Resource Hospital may include classes performed outside of the region in which the Resource Hospital is located. When considering whether to approve or deny an education plan for classes performed outside of the region in which a Resource Hospital is located, the Department shall give deference to the EMS Medical Director's education plan request and shall not unreasonably withhold approval.

(f) Notify the Department of EMS personnel who have successfully completed the requirements as provided by law for initial licensure, license renewal, and license reinstatement by the Department.

(g) Educate or coordinate the education of Emergency Medical Dispatcher candidates, in accordance with the requirements of this Act, rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and the EMS System Program Plan.

(h) Establish or approve protocols for prearrival medical instructions to callers by System Emergency Medical Dispatchers who provide such instructions.

(i) Educate or coordinate the education of Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, and ECRN candidates, in accordance with the requirements of this Act, rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and the EMS System Program Plan.

(j) Approve Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, and ECRN candidates to practice within the System, and reapprove Pre-Hospital Registered Nurses, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistants, and ECRNs every 4 years in accordance with the requirements of the Department and the System Program Plan.

(k) Establish protocols for the use of Pre-Hospital Registered Nurses, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Pre-Hospital Physician Assistants within the System.

(l) Establish protocols for utilizing ECRNs and physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches to monitor telecommunications from, and give voice orders to, EMS personnel, under the authority of the EMS Medical Director.

(m) Monitor emergency and non-emergency medical transports within the System, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(n) Utilize levels of personnel required by the Department to provide emergency care to the sick and injured at the scene of an emergency, during transport to a hospital or during inter-hospital transport and within the hospital emergency department until the responsibility for the care of the patient is assumed by the medical personnel of a hospital emergency department or other facility within the hospital to which the patient is first delivered by System personnel.

(o) Utilize levels of personnel required by the Department to provide non-emergency medical services during transport to a health care facility and within the health care facility until the responsibility for the care of the patient is assumed by the medical personnel of the health care facility to which the patient is delivered by System personnel.

(p) Establish and implement a program for System participant information and education, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(q) Establish and implement a program for public information and education, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(r) Operate in compliance with the EMS Region Plan.

(Source: P.A. 103-689, eff. 1-1-25.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.40)

Sec. 3.40. EMS System Participation Suspensions and Due Process.

(a) An EMS Medical Director may suspend from participation within the System any EMS personnel, EMS Lead Instructor (LI), individual, individual provider or other participant considered not to be meeting the requirements of the Program Plan of that approved EMS System. An EMS Medical Director must submit a suspension order to the Department describing which requirements of the Program Plan were not met and the suspension's duration. The Department shall review and confirm receipt of the suspension order, request additional information, or initiate an investigation. The Department shall incorporate the duration of that suspension into any further action taken by the Department to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the license of the individual or entity for any violation of this Act or the Program Plan arising from the same conduct for which the suspension order was issued if the suspended party has neither requested a Department hearing on the suspension nor worked as a provider in any other System during the term of the suspension.

(b) Prior to suspending any individual or entity, an EMS Medical Director shall provide an opportunity for a hearing before the local System review board in accordance with subsection (f) and the rules promulgated by the Department.

(1) If the local System review board affirms or modifies the EMS Medical Director's suspension order, the individual or entity shall have the opportunity for a review of the local board's decision by the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board, pursuant to Section 3.45 of this Act.

(2) If the local System review board reverses or modifies the EMS Medical Director's order, the EMS Medical Director shall have the opportunity for a review of the local board's decision by the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board, pursuant to Section 3.45 of this Act.

(3) The suspension shall commence only upon the occurrence of one of the following:

(A) the individual or entity has waived the opportunity for a hearing before the local System review board;

(B) the order has been affirmed or modified by the local system review board and the individual or entity has waived the opportunity for review by the State Board; or

(C) the order has been affirmed or modified by the local system review board, and the local board's decision has been affirmed or modified by the State Board.

(c) An individual interviewed or investigated by the local system review board or the Department shall have the right to a union representative and legal counsel of the individual's choosing present at any interview. The union representative must comply with any confidentiality requirements and requirements for the protection of any patient information presented during the proceeding.

(d) An EMS Medical Director may immediately suspend an EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, PHRN, LI, PHPA, PHAPRN, or other individual or entity if he or she finds that the continuation in practice by the individual or entity would constitute an imminent danger to the public. The suspended individual or entity shall be issued an immediate verbal notification followed by a written suspension order by the EMS Medical Director which states the length, terms and basis for the suspension.

(1) Within 24 hours following the commencement of the suspension, the EMS Medical Director shall deliver to the Department, by messenger, telefax, or other Department-approved electronic communication, a copy of the suspension order and copies of any written materials which relate to the EMS Medical Director's decision to suspend the individual or entity. All medical and patient-specific information, including Department findings with respect to the quality of care rendered, shall be strictly confidential pursuant to the Medical Studies Act (Part 21 of Article VIII of the Code of Civil Procedure).

(2) Within 24 hours following the commencement of the suspension, the suspended individual or entity may deliver to the Department, by messenger, telefax, or other Department-approved electronic communication, a written response to the suspension order and copies of any written materials which the individual or entity feels are appropriate. All medical and patient-specific information, including Department findings with respect to the quality of care rendered, shall be strictly confidential pursuant to the Medical Studies Act.

(3) Within 24 hours following receipt of the EMS Medical Director's suspension order or the individual or entity's written response, whichever is later, the Director or the Director's designee shall determine whether the suspension should be stayed pending an opportunity for a hearing or review in accordance with this Act, or whether the suspension should continue during the course of that hearing or review. When an immediate suspension order is not stayed, the Director or the Director's designee within the Department shall identify if that suspension shall immediately apply to statewide participation only in situations when a licensee has been charged with a crime while performing the licensee's official duties as an EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, TNS, PHRN, LI, PHPA, or PHAPRN and the licensee's continuation to practice poses the possibility of imminent harm to the public based off factual evidence provided to the Department. The determination to issue an immediate statewide suspension shall not deny the right to due process to a licensee. The Director or the Director's designee shall issue this determination to the EMS Medical Director, who shall immediately notify the suspended individual or entity. The suspension shall remain in effect during this period of review by the Director or the Director's designee.

(e) Upon issuance of a suspension order for reasons directly related to medical care, the EMS Medical Director shall also provide the individual or entity with the opportunity for a hearing before the local System review board, in accordance with subsection (f) and the rules promulgated by the Department.

(1) If the local System review board affirms or modifies the EMS Medical Director's suspension order, the individual or entity shall have the opportunity for a review of the local board's decision by the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board, pursuant to Section 3.45 of this Act.

(2) If the local System review board reverses or modifies the EMS Medical Director's suspension order, the EMS Medical Director shall have the opportunity for a review of the local board's decision by the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board, pursuant to Section 3.45 of this Act.

(3) The suspended individual or entity may elect to bypass the local System review board and seek direct review of the EMS Medical Director's suspension order by the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board.

(f) The Resource Hospital shall designate a local System review board in accordance with the rules of the Department, for the purpose of providing a hearing to any individual or entity participating within the System who is suspended from participation by the EMS Medical Director. The EMS Medical Director shall arrange for a certified shorthand reporter to make a stenographic record of that hearing and thereafter prepare a transcript of the proceedings. The EMS Medical Director shall inform the individual of the individual's right to have a union representative and legal counsel of the individual's choosing present at any interview. The union representative must comply with any confidentiality requirements and requirements for the protection of any patient information presented during the proceeding. The transcript, all documents or materials received as evidence during the hearing and the local System review board's written decision shall be retained in the custody of the EMS system. The System shall implement a decision of the local System review board unless that decision has been appealed to the State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board in accordance with this Act and the rules of the Department.

(g) The Resource Hospital shall implement a decision of the State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board which has been rendered in accordance with this Act and the rules of the Department.

(Source: P.A. 103-521, eff. 1-1-24; 103-779, eff. 8-2-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.45)

Sec. 3.45. State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board.

(a) The Governor shall appoint a State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board, composed of an EMS Medical Director, an EMS System Coordinator, a Paramedic, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and the following members, who shall only review cases in which a party is from the same professional category: a Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, a Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, a Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, an ECRN, a Trauma Nurse Specialist, an Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (EMT-I), an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (A-EMT), a representative from a private vehicle service provider, a representative from a public vehicle service provider, and an emergency physician who monitors telecommunications from and gives voice orders to EMS personnel. The Governor shall also appoint one alternate for each member of the Board, from the same professional category as the member of the Board.

(b) The members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. All appointees shall serve until their successors are appointed. The alternate members shall be appointed and serve in the same fashion as the members of the Board. If a member resigns his or her appointment, the corresponding alternate shall serve the remainder of that member's term until a subsequent member is appointed by the Governor.

(c) The function of the Board is to review and affirm, reverse or modify disciplinary orders.

(d) Any individual or entity, who received an immediate suspension from an EMS Medical Director may request the Board to reverse or modify the suspension order. If the suspension had been affirmed or modified by a local System review board, the suspended individual or entity may request the Board to reverse or modify the local board's decision.

(e) Any individual or entity who received a non-immediate suspension order from an EMS Medical Director which was affirmed or modified by a local System review board may request the Board to reverse or modify the local board's decision. The individual shall be informed of the individual's right to have one representative from the labor organization recognized as the exclusive representative of that individual's bargaining unit present and a legal representative present during the State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board proceedings during open session. The labor organization's representative must also comply with all confidentiality requirements and requirements for the protection of any patient information presented during the proceeding.

(f) An EMS Medical Director whose suspension order was reversed or modified by a local System review board may request the Board to reverse or modify the local board's decision.

(g) The Board shall meet on the first Tuesday of every month, unless no requests for review have been submitted. Additional meetings of the Board shall be scheduled to ensure that a request for direct review of an immediate suspension order is scheduled within 14 days after the Department receives the request for review or as soon thereafter as a quorum is available. The Board shall meet in Springfield or Chicago, whichever location is closer to the majority of the members or alternates attending the meeting. The Department shall reimburse the members and alternates of the Board for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board.

(h) A request for review shall be submitted in writing to the Chief of the Department's Division of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety, within 10 days after receiving the local board's decision or the EMS Medical Director's suspension order, whichever is applicable, a copy of which shall be enclosed.

(i) At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Board shall review requests which have been received by the Department at least 10 working days prior to the Board's meeting date. Requests for review which are received less than 10 working days prior to a scheduled meeting shall be considered at the Board's next scheduled meeting, except that requests for direct review of an immediate suspension order may be scheduled up to 3 working days prior to the Board's meeting date.

(j) A quorum shall be required for the Board to meet, which shall consist of 3 members or alternates, including the EMS Medical Director or alternate and the member or alternate from the same professional category as the subject of the suspension order. At each meeting of the Board, the members or alternates present shall select a Chairperson to conduct the meeting.

(k) Deliberations for decisions of the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board shall be conducted in closed session. Department staff may attend for the purpose of providing clerical assistance, but no other persons may be in attendance except for the parties to the dispute being reviewed by the Board and their attorneys, unless by request of the Board.

(l) The Board shall review the transcript, evidence, and written decision of the local review board, or the written decision and supporting documentation of the EMS Medical Director, whichever is applicable, along with any additional written or verbal testimony or argument offered by the parties to the dispute.

(m) At the conclusion of its review, the Board shall issue its decision and the basis for its decision on a form provided by the Department, and shall submit to the Department its written decision together with the record of the local System review board. The Department shall promptly issue a copy of the Board's decision to all affected parties. The Board's decision shall be binding on all parties.

(Source: P.A. 103-521, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.50)

Sec. 3.50. Emergency Medical Services personnel licensure levels.

(a) "Emergency Medical Technician" or "EMT" means a person who has successfully completed a course in basic life support as approved by the Department, is currently licensed by the Department in accordance with standards prescribed by this Act and rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and practices within an EMS System. A valid Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) license issued under this Act shall continue to be valid and shall be recognized as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license until the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) license expires.

(b) "Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate" or "EMT-I" means a person who has successfully completed a course in intermediate life support as approved by the Department, is currently licensed by the Department in accordance with standards prescribed by this Act and rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and practices within an Intermediate or Advanced Life Support EMS System.

(b-5) "Advanced Emergency Medical Technician" or "A-EMT" means a person who has successfully completed a course in basic and limited advanced emergency medical care as approved by the Department, is currently licensed by the Department in accordance with standards prescribed by this Act and rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and practices within an Intermediate or Advanced Life Support EMS System.

(c) "Paramedic (EMT-P)" means a person who has successfully completed a course in advanced life support care as approved by the Department, is licensed by the Department in accordance with standards prescribed by this Act and rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and practices within an Advanced Life Support EMS System. A valid Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) license issued under this Act shall continue to be valid and shall be recognized as a Paramedic license until the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) license expires.

(c-5) "Emergency Medical Responder" or "EMR (First Responder)" means a person who has successfully completed a course in emergency medical response as approved by the Department and provides emergency medical response services in accordance with the level of care established by the National EMS Educational Standards Emergency Medical Responder course as modified by the Department, or who provides services as part of an EMS System response plan, as approved by the Department, of that EMS System. The Department shall have the authority to adopt rules governing the curriculum, practice, and necessary equipment applicable to Emergency Medical Responders.

On August 15, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-973), a person who is licensed by the Department as a First Responder and has completed a Department-approved course in first responder defibrillator training based on, or equivalent to, the National EMS Educational Standards or other standards previously recognized by the Department shall be eligible for licensure as an Emergency Medical Responder upon meeting the licensure requirements and submitting an application to the Department. A valid First Responder license issued under this Act shall continue to be valid and shall be recognized as an Emergency Medical Responder license until the First Responder license expires.

(c-10) All EMS Systems and licensees shall be fully compliant with the National EMS Education Standards, as modified by the Department in administrative rules, within 24 months after the adoption of the administrative rules.

(d) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Prescribe education and training requirements, which includes training in the use of epinephrine, for all levels of EMS personnel except for EMRs, based on the National EMS Educational Standards and any modifications to those curricula specified by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(2) Prescribe licensure testing requirements for all levels of EMS personnel, which shall include a requirement that all phases of instruction, training, and field experience be completed before taking the appropriate licensure examination. Candidates may elect to take the appropriate National Registry examination in lieu of the Department's examination, but are responsible for making their own arrangements for taking the National Registry examination. In prescribing licensure testing requirements for honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States under this paragraph (2), the Department shall ensure that a candidate's military emergency medical training, emergency medical curriculum completed, and clinical experience, as described in paragraph (2.5), are recognized.

(2.5) Review applications for EMS personnel licensure from honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States with military emergency medical training. Applications shall be filed with the Department within one year after military discharge and shall contain: (i) proof of successful completion of military emergency medical training; (ii) a detailed description of the emergency medical curriculum completed; and (iii) a detailed description of the applicant's clinical experience. The Department may request additional and clarifying information. The Department shall evaluate the application, including the applicant's training and experience, consistent with the standards set forth under subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of Section 3.10. If the application clearly demonstrates that the training and experience meet such standards, the Department shall offer the applicant the opportunity to successfully complete a Department-approved EMS personnel examination for the level of license for which the applicant is qualified. Upon passage of an examination, the Department shall issue a license, which shall be subject to all provisions of this Act that are otherwise applicable to the level of EMS personnel license issued.

(3) License individuals as an EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or Paramedic who have met the Department's education, training and examination requirements.

(4) Prescribe annual continuing education and relicensure requirements for all EMS personnel licensure levels.

(5) Relicense individuals as an EMD, EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic every 4 years, based on their compliance with continuing education and relicensure requirements as required by the Department pursuant to this Act. Every 4 years, a Paramedic shall have 100 hours of approved continuing education, an EMT-I and an advanced EMT shall have 80 hours of approved continuing education, and an EMT shall have 60 hours of approved continuing education. An Illinois licensed EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, PHPA, PHAPRN, or PHRN whose license has been expired for less than 36 months may apply for reinstatement by the Department. Reinstatement shall require that the applicant (i) submit satisfactory proof of completion of continuing medical education and clinical requirements to be prescribed by the Department in an administrative rule; (ii) submit a positive recommendation from an Illinois EMS Medical Director attesting to the applicant's qualifications for retesting; and (iii) pass a Department approved test for the level of EMS personnel license sought to be reinstated.

(6) Grant inactive status to any EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or PHRN who qualifies, based on standards and procedures established by the Department in rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(7) Charge a fee for EMS personnel examination, licensure, and license renewal.

(8) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the license of any licensee, after an opportunity for an impartial hearing before a neutral administrative law judge appointed by the Director, where the preponderance of the evidence shows one or more of the following:

(A) The licensee has not met continuing education or relicensure requirements as prescribed by the Department;

(B) The licensee has failed to maintain proficiency in the level of skills for which he or she is licensed;

(C) The licensee, during the provision of medical services, engaged in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public;

(D) The licensee has failed to maintain or has violated standards of performance and conduct as prescribed by the Department in rules adopted pursuant to this Act or his or her EMS System's Program Plan;

(E) The licensee is physically impaired to the extent that he or she cannot physically perform the skills and functions for which he or she is licensed, as verified by a physician, unless the person is on inactive status pursuant to Department regulations;

(F) The licensee is mentally impaired to the extent that he or she cannot exercise the appropriate judgment, skill and safety for performing the functions for which he or she is licensed, as verified by a physician, unless the person is on inactive status pursuant to Department regulations;

(G) The licensee has violated this Act or any rule adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act; or

(H) The licensee has been convicted (or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere) by a court of competent jurisdiction of a Class X, Class 1, or Class 2 felony in this State or an out-of-state equivalent offense.

(9) Prescribe education and training requirements in the administration and use of opioid antagonists for all levels of EMS personnel based on the National EMS Educational Standards and any modifications to those curricula specified by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(d-5) An EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or PHRN who is a member of the Illinois National Guard or an Illinois State Trooper or who exclusively serves as a volunteer for units of local government with a population base of less than 5,000 or as a volunteer for a not-for-profit organization that serves a service area with a population base of less than 5,000 may submit an application to the Department for a waiver of the fees described under paragraph (7) of subsection (d) of this Section on a form prescribed by the Department.

The education requirements prescribed by the Department under this Section must allow for the suspension of those requirements in the case of a member of the armed services or reserve forces of the United States or a member of the Illinois National Guard who is on active duty pursuant to an executive order of the President of the United States, an act of the Congress of the United States, or an order of the Governor at the time that the member would otherwise be required to fulfill a particular education requirement. Such a person must fulfill the education requirement within 6 months after his or her release from active duty.

(e) In the event that any rule of the Department or an EMS Medical Director that requires testing for drug use as a condition of the applicable EMS personnel license conflicts with or duplicates a provision of a collective bargaining agreement that requires testing for drug use, that rule shall not apply to any person covered by the collective bargaining agreement.

(f) At the time of applying for or renewing his or her license, an applicant for a license or license renewal may submit an email address to the Department. The Department shall keep the email address on file as a form of contact for the individual. The Department shall send license renewal notices electronically and by mail to a licensee who provides the Department with his or her email address. The notices shall be sent at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-153, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-623, eff. 8-27-21.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.55)

Sec. 3.55. Scope of practice.

(a) Any person currently licensed as an EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic may perform emergency and non-emergency medical services as defined in this Act, in accordance with his or her level of education, training and licensure, the standards of performance and conduct prescribed by the Department in rules adopted pursuant to this Act, and the requirements of the EMS System in which he or she practices, as contained in the approved Program Plan for that System. The Director may, by written order, temporarily modify individual scopes of practice in response to public health emergencies for periods not exceeding 180 days.

(a-5) EMS personnel who have successfully completed a Department approved course in automated defibrillator operation and who are functioning within a Department approved EMS System may utilize such automated defibrillator according to the standards of performance and conduct prescribed by the Department in rules adopted pursuant to this Act and the requirements of the EMS System in which they practice, as contained in the approved Program Plan for that System.

(a-7) An EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic who has successfully completed a Department approved course in the administration of epinephrine shall be required to carry epinephrine with him or her as part of the EMS personnel medical supplies whenever he or she is performing official duties as determined by the EMS System. The epinephrine may be administered from a glass vial, auto-injector, ampule, or pre-filled syringe.

(b) An EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic may practice as an EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or Paramedic or utilize his or her EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic license in pre-hospital or inter-hospital emergency care settings or non-emergency medical transport situations, under the written or verbal direction of the EMS Medical Director. For purposes of this Section, a "pre-hospital emergency care setting" may include a location, that is not a health care facility, which utilizes EMS personnel to render pre-hospital emergency care prior to the arrival of a transport vehicle. The location shall include communication equipment and all of the portable equipment and drugs appropriate for the EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or Paramedic's level of care, as required by this Act, rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and the protocols of the EMS Systems, and shall operate only with the approval and under the direction of the EMS Medical Director.

This Section shall not prohibit an EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic from practicing within an emergency department or other health care setting for the purpose of receiving continuing education or training approved by the EMS Medical Director. This Section shall also not prohibit an EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic from seeking credentials other than his or her EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic license and utilizing such credentials to work in emergency departments or other health care settings under the jurisdiction of that employer.

(c) An EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic may honor Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and powers of attorney for health care only in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act and protocols of the EMS System in which he or she practices.

(d) A student enrolled in a Department approved EMS personnel program, while fulfilling the clinical training and in-field supervised experience requirements mandated for licensure or approval by the System and the Department, may perform prescribed procedures under the direct supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, a qualified registered professional nurse, or qualified EMS personnel, only when authorized by the EMS Medical Director.

(e) An EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or Paramedic may transport a police dog injured in the line of duty to a veterinary clinic or similar facility if there are no persons requiring medical attention or transport at that time. For the purposes of this subsection, "police dog" means a dog owned or used by a law enforcement department or agency in the course of the department or agency's work, including a search and rescue dog, service dog, accelerant detection canine, or other dog that is in use by a county, municipal, or State law enforcement agency.

(f) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit an EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, or PHRN from completing an initial Occupational Safety and Health Administration Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire on behalf of fire service personnel, as permitted by his or her EMS System Medical Director.

(g) An EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHAPRN, or PHPA shall be eligible to work for another EMS System for a period not to exceed 2 weeks if the individual is under the direct supervision of another licensed individual operating at the same or higher level as the EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHAPRN, or PHPA; obtained approval in writing from the EMS System's Medical Director; and tests into the EMS System based upon appropriate standards as outlined in the EMS System Program Plan. The EMS System within which the EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHAPRN, or PHPA is seeking to join must make all required testing available to the EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHAPRN, or PHPA within 2 weeks after the written request. Failure to do so by the EMS System shall allow the EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHAPRN, or PHPA to continue working for another EMS System until all required testing becomes available.

(h) A member of a fire department's or fire protection district's collective bargaining unit shall be eligible to work under a silver spanner program for another EMS System's fire department or fire protection district that is not the full-time employer of that member, for a period not to exceed 2 weeks, if the member: (1) is under the direct supervision of another licensed individual operating at the same or higher licensure level as the member; (2) made a written request to the EMS System's Medical Director for approval to work under the silver spanner program, which shall be approved or denied within 24 hours after the EMS System's Medical Director received the request; and (3) tests into the EMS System based upon appropriate standards as outlined in the EMS System Program Plan. The EMS System within which the member is seeking to join must make all required testing available to the member within 2 weeks of the written request. Failure to do so by the EMS System shall allow the member to continue working under a silver spanner program until all required testing becomes available.

(Source: P.A. 102-79, eff. 1-1-22; 103-521, eff. 1-1-24; 103-547, eff. 8-11-23; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.57)

Sec. 3.57. Physician do-not-resuscitate orders and Department of Public Health Uniform POLST form. The Department of Public Health Uniform POLST form described in Section 2310-600 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, or a copy of that form or a previous version of the uniform form, shall be honored under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-1110, eff. 8-26-14; 99-319, eff. 1-1-16.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.60)

Sec. 3.60. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 97-1014, eff. 1-1-13. Repealed by P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.65)

Sec. 3.65. EMS Lead Instructor.

(a) "EMS Lead Instructor" means a person who has successfully completed a course of education as approved by the Department, and who is currently approved by the Department to coordinate or teach education, training and continuing education courses, in accordance with standards prescribed by this Act and rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(b) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Prescribe education requirements for EMS Lead Instructor candidates through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(2) Prescribe testing requirements for EMS Lead Instructor candidates through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(3) Charge each candidate for EMS Lead Instructor a fee to be submitted with an application for an examination, an application for licensure, and an application for relicensure.

(4) Approve individuals as EMS Lead Instructors who have met the Department's education and testing requirements.

(5) Require that all education, training and continuing education courses for EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHPA, PHAPRN, ECRN, EMR, and Emergency Medical Dispatcher be coordinated by at least one approved EMS Lead Instructor. A program which includes education, training or continuing education for more than one type of personnel may use one EMS Lead Instructor to coordinate the program, and a single EMS Lead Instructor may simultaneously coordinate more than one program or course. An EMS Lead Instructor may oversee a paramedic with at least 3 years of experience to teach EMT classes, with a licensed teacher, in high schools. High school students electing to not take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Certification exam shall not be accounted for in calculating the course pass rate by the EMS System or Department.

(6) Provide standards and procedures for awarding EMS Lead Instructor approval to persons previously approved by the Department to coordinate such courses, based on qualifications prescribed by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(7) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the approval of an EMS Lead Instructor, after an opportunity for a hearing, when findings show one or more of the following:

(A) The EMS Lead Instructor has failed to conduct a course in accordance with the curriculum prescribed by this Act and rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act; or

(B) The EMS Lead Instructor has failed to comply with protocols prescribed by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-689, eff. 1-1-25.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.70)

Sec. 3.70. Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

(a) "Emergency Medical Dispatcher" means a person who has successfully completed a training course in emergency medical dispatching in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, who accepts calls from the public for emergency medical services and dispatches designated emergency medical services personnel and vehicles. The Emergency Medical Dispatcher must use the Department-approved emergency medical dispatch priority reference system (EMDPRS) protocol selected for use by its agency and approved by its EMS medical director. This protocol must be used by an emergency medical dispatcher in an emergency medical dispatch agency to dispatch aid to medical emergencies which includes systematized caller interrogation questions; systematized prearrival support instructions; and systematized coding protocols that match the dispatcher's evaluation of the injury or illness severity with the vehicle response mode and vehicle response configuration and includes an appropriate training curriculum and testing process consistent with the specific EMDPRS protocol used by the emergency medical dispatch agency. Prearrival support instructions shall be provided in a non-discriminatory manner and shall be provided in accordance with the EMDPRS established by the EMS medical director of the EMS system in which the EMD operates. If the dispatcher operates under the authority of an Emergency Telephone System Board established under the Emergency Telephone System Act, the protocols shall be established by such Board in consultation with the EMS Medical Director.

(b) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Require licensure and relicensure of a person who meets the training and other requirements as an emergency medical dispatcher pursuant to this Act.

(2) Require licensure and relicensure of a person, organization, or government agency that operates an emergency medical dispatch agency that meets the minimum standards prescribed by the Department for an emergency medical dispatch agency pursuant to this Act.

(3) Prescribe minimum education and continuing education requirements for the Emergency Medical Dispatcher, which meet standards specified by rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(4) Require each EMS Medical Director to report to the Department whenever an action has taken place that may require the revocation or suspension of a license issued by the Department.

(5) Require each EMD to provide prearrival instructions in compliance with protocols selected and approved by the system's EMS medical director and approved by the Department.

(6) Require the Emergency Medical Dispatcher to keep the Department currently informed as to the entity or agency that employs or supervises his activities as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

(7) Establish an annual relicensure requirement that requires medical dispatch-specific continuing education as prescribed by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(8) Approve all EMDPRS protocols used by emergency medical dispatch agencies to assure compliance with national standards.

(9) Require that Department-approved emergency medical dispatch training programs are conducted in accordance with national standards.

(10) Require that the emergency medical dispatch agency be operated in accordance with national standards, including, but not limited to, (i) the use on every request for medical assistance of an emergency medical dispatch priority reference system (EMDPRS) in accordance with Department-approved policies and procedures and (ii) under the approval and supervision of the EMS medical director, the establishment of a continuous quality improvement program.

(11) Require that a person may not represent himself or herself, nor may an agency or business represent an agent or employee of that agency or business, as an emergency medical dispatcher unless licensed by the Department as an emergency medical dispatcher.

(12) Require that a person, organization, or government agency not represent itself as an emergency medical dispatch agency unless the person, organization, or government agency is certified by the Department as an emergency medical dispatch agency.

(13) Require that a person, organization, or government agency may not offer or conduct a training course that is represented as a course for an emergency medical dispatcher unless the person, organization, or agency is approved by the Department to offer or conduct that course.

(14) Require that Department-approved emergency medical dispatcher training programs are conducted by instructors licensed by the Department who:

(i) are, at a minimum, licensed as emergency medical dispatchers;

(ii) have completed a Department-approved course on methods of instruction;

(iii) have previous experience in a medical dispatch agency; and

(iv) have demonstrated experience as an EMS instructor.

(15) Establish criteria for modifying or waiving Emergency Medical Dispatcher requirements based on (i) the scope and frequency of dispatch activities and the dispatcher's access to training or (ii) whether the previously-attended dispatcher training program merits automatic relicensure for the dispatcher.

(16) Charge each Emergency Medical Dispatcher applicant a fee for licensure and license renewal.

(c) The Department shall have the authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the license of an EMD when, after notice and the opportunity for an impartial hearing, the Department demonstrates that the licensee has violated this Act, violated the rules adopted by the Department, or failed to comply with the applicable standard of care.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.75)

Sec. 3.75. Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) licensure.

(a) "Trauma Nurse Specialist" or "TNS" means a registered professional nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act who has successfully completed supplemental education and testing requirements as prescribed by the Department, and is licensed by the Department in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act. For out-of-state facilities that have Illinois recognition under the EMS, trauma, or pediatric programs, the professional shall have an unencumbered registered nurse license in the state in which he or she practices. In this Section, the term "license" is used to reflect a change in terminology from "certification" to "license" only.

(b) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Establish criteria for TNS training sites, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(2) Prescribe education and testing requirements for TNS candidates, which shall include an opportunity for licensure based on examination only, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(3) Charge each candidate for TNS licensure a fee to be submitted with an application for a licensure examination, an application for licensure, and an application for relicensure;

(4) License an individual as a TNS who has met the Department's education and testing requirements;

(5) Prescribe relicensure requirements through rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(6) Relicense an individual as a TNS every 4 years, based on compliance with relicensure requirements;

(7) Grant inactive status to any TNS who qualifies, based on standards and procedures established by the Department in rules adopted pursuant to this Act; and

(8) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the license of a TNS, after an opportunity for hearing by the Department, if findings show that the TNS has failed to maintain proficiency in the level of skills for which the TNS is licensed or has failed to comply with relicensure requirements.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.80)

Sec. 3.80. Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, and Emergency Communications Registered Nurse.

(a) "Emergency Communications Registered Nurse" or "ECRN" means a registered professional nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act who has successfully completed supplemental education in accordance with rules adopted by the Department, and who is approved by an EMS Medical Director to monitor telecommunications from and give voice orders to EMS System personnel, under the authority of the EMS Medical Director and in accordance with System protocols. For out-of-state facilities that have Illinois recognition under the EMS, trauma or pediatric programs, the professional shall have an unencumbered registered nurse license in the state in which he or she practices. In this Section, the term "license" is used to reflect a change in terminology from "certification" to "license" only.

(b) "Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse", "PHRN", or "Pre-Hospital RN" means a registered professional nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act who has successfully completed supplemental education in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and who is approved by an EMS Medical Director to practice within an Illinois EMS System as emergency medical services personnel for pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical transports. For out-of-state facilities that have Illinois recognition under the EMS, trauma or pediatric programs, the professional shall have an unencumbered registered nurse license in the state in which he or she practices. In this Section, the term "license" is used to reflect a change in terminology from "certification" to "license" only.

(b-5) "Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse", "PHAPRN", or "Pre-Hospital APRN" means an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act who has successfully completed supplemental education in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and who has the approval of an EMS Medical Director to practice within an Illinois EMS System as emergency medical services personnel for pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical transports. For out-of-state facilities that have Illinois recognition under the EMS, trauma or pediatric programs, the professional shall have an unencumbered advanced practice registered nurse license in the state in which he or she practices.

(b-10) "Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant", "PHPA", or "Pre-Hospital PA" means a physician assistant licensed under the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987 who has successfully completed supplemental education in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and who has the approval of an EMS Medical Director to practice within an Illinois EMS System as emergency medical services personnel for pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical transports. For out-of-state facilities that have Illinois recognition under the EMS, trauma or pediatric programs, the professional shall have an unencumbered physician assistant license in the state in which he or she practices.

(c) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Prescribe or pre-approve education and continuing education requirements for Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, and ECRN candidates through rules adopted pursuant to this Act:

(A) Education for a Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, a Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or a Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant shall include extrication, telecommunications, EMS System standing medical orders, the procedures and protocols established by the EMS Medical Director, and pre-hospital cardiac, medical, and trauma care;

(B) Education for ECRN shall include telecommunications, System standing medical orders and the procedures and protocols established by the EMS Medical Director;

(C) A Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant candidate who is fulfilling clinical training and in-field supervised experience requirements may perform prescribed procedures under the direct supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, a qualified registered professional nurse or a qualified EMT, only when authorized by the EMS Medical Director;

(D) An EMS Medical Director may impose in-field supervised field experience requirements on System ECRNs as part of their training or continuing education, in which they perform prescribed procedures under the direct supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, a qualified registered professional nurse, or qualified EMS personnel, only when authorized by the EMS Medical Director;

(2) Require EMS Medical Directors to reapprove Pre-Hospital Registered Nurses, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistants, and ECRNs every 4 years, based on compliance with continuing education requirements prescribed by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(3) Allow EMS Medical Directors to grant inactive EMS System status to any Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, or ECRN who qualifies, based on standards and procedures established by the Department in rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(4) Require a Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, a Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or a Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant to honor Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and powers of attorney for health care only in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act and protocols of the EMS System in which he or she practices;

(5) Charge each Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pre-Hospital Physician Assistant, and ECRN applicant a fee for licensure and relicensure.

(d) The Department shall have the authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a Department-issued PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, or ECRN license when, after notice and the opportunity for a hearing, the Department demonstrates that the licensee has violated this Act, violated the rules adopted by the Department, or failed to comply with the applicable standards of care.

(Source: P.A. 100-1082, eff. 8-24-19.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.85)

Sec. 3.85. Vehicle Service Providers.

(a) "Vehicle Service Provider" means an entity licensed by the Department to provide emergency or non-emergency medical services in compliance with this Act, the rules promulgated by the Department pursuant to this Act, and an operational plan approved by its EMS System(s), utilizing at least ambulances or specialized emergency medical service vehicles (SEMSV).

(1) "Ambulance" means any publicly or privately owned on-road vehicle that is specifically designed, constructed or modified and equipped, and is intended to be used for, and is maintained or operated for the emergency transportation of persons who are sick, injured, wounded or otherwise incapacitated or helpless, or the non-emergency medical transportation of persons who require the presence of medical personnel to monitor the individual's condition or medical apparatus being used on such individuals.

(2) "Specialized Emergency Medical Services Vehicle" or "SEMSV" means a vehicle or conveyance, other than those owned or operated by the federal government, that is primarily intended for use in transporting the sick or injured by means of air, water, or ground transportation, that is not an ambulance as defined in this Act. The term includes watercraft, aircraft and special purpose ground transport vehicles or conveyances not intended for use on public roads.

(3) An ambulance or SEMSV may also be designated as a Limited Operation Vehicle or Special-Use Vehicle:

(A) "Limited Operation Vehicle" means a vehicle which is licensed by the Department to provide basic, intermediate or advanced life support emergency or non-emergency medical services that are exclusively limited to specific events or locales.

(B) "Special-Use Vehicle" means any publicly or privately owned vehicle that is specifically designed, constructed or modified and equipped, and is intended to be used for, and is maintained or operated solely for the emergency or non-emergency transportation of a specific medical class or category of persons who are sick, injured, wounded or otherwise incapacitated or helpless (e.g. high-risk obstetrical patients, neonatal patients).

(C) "Reserve Ambulance" means a vehicle that meets all criteria set forth in this Section and all Department rules, except for the required inventory of medical supplies and durable medical equipment, which may be rapidly transferred from a fully functional ambulance to a reserve ambulance without the use of tools or special mechanical expertise.

(b) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Require all Vehicle Service Providers, both publicly and privately owned, to function within an EMS System.

(2) Require a Vehicle Service Provider utilizing ambulances to have a primary affiliation with an EMS System within the EMS Region in which its Primary Service Area is located, which is the geographic areas in which the provider renders the majority of its emergency responses. This requirement shall not apply to Vehicle Service Providers which exclusively utilize Limited Operation Vehicles.

(3) Establish licensing standards and requirements for Vehicle Service Providers, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act, including but not limited to:

(A) Vehicle design, specification, operation and maintenance standards, including standards for the use of reserve ambulances;

(B) Equipment requirements;

(C) Staffing requirements; and

(D) License renewal at intervals determined by the Department, which shall be not less than every 4 years.

The Department's standards and requirements with respect to vehicle staffing for private, nonpublic local government employers must allow for alternative staffing models that include an EMR with a licensed EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, or PHRN, as appropriate, pursuant to the approval of the EMS System Program Plan developed and approved by the EMS Medical Director for an EMS System. The EMS personnel licensed at the highest level shall provide the initial assessment of the patient to determine the level of care required for transport to the receiving health care facility, and this assessment shall be documented in the patient care report and documented with online medical control. The EMS personnel licensed at or above the level of care required by the specific patient as directed by the EMS Medical Director shall be the primary care provider en route to the destination facility or patient's residence. The Department shall monitor the implementation and performance of alternative staffing models and may issue a notice of termination of an alternative staffing model only upon evidence that an EMS System Program Plan is not being adhered to. Adoption of an alternative staffing model shall not result in a Vehicle Service Provider being prohibited or limited in the utilization of its staff or equipment from providing any of the services authorized by this Act or as otherwise outlined in the approved EMS System Program Plan, including, without limitation, the deployment of resources to provide out-of-state disaster response. EMS System Program Plans must address a process for out-of-state disaster response deployments that must meet the following:

(A) All deployments to provide out-of-state disaster response must first be approved by the EMS Medical Director and submitted to the Department.

(B) The submission must include the number of units being deployed, vehicle identification numbers, length of deployment, and names of personnel and their licensure level.

(C) Ensure that all necessary in-state requests for services will be covered during the duration of the deployment.

An EMS System Program Plan for a Basic Life Support, advanced life support, and critical care transport utilizing an EMR and an EMT shall include the following:

(A) Alternative staffing models for a Basic Life Support transport utilizing an EMR shall only be utilized for interfacility Basic Life Support transports as specified by the EMS System Program Plan as determined by the EMS System Medical Director.

(B) Protocols that shall include dispatch procedures to properly screen and assess patients for EMR-staffed transports.

(C) A requirement that a provider and EMS System shall implement a quality assurance plan that shall include for the initial waiver period the review of at least 5% of total interfacility transports utilizing an EMR with mechanisms outlined to audit dispatch screening, reason for transport, patient diagnosis, level of care, and the outcome of transports performed. Quality assurance reports must be submitted and reviewed by the provider and EMS System monthly and made available to the Department upon request. The percentage of transports reviewed under quality assurance plans for renewal periods shall be determined by the EMS Medical Director, however, it shall not be less than 3%.

(D) The EMS System Medical Director shall develop a minimum set of requirements for individuals based on level of licensure that includes education, training, and credentialing for all team members identified to participate in an alternative staffing plan. The EMT, Paramedic, PHRN, PHPA, PHAPRN, and critical care transport staff shall have the minimum experience in performance of pre-hospital and inter-hospital care, as determined by the EMS Medical Director in accordance with the EMS System Program Plan, but at a minimum of 6 months of prehospital experience or at least 50 documented patient care interventions during transport as the primary care provider and approved by the Department.

(E) The licensed EMR must complete a defensive driving course prior to participation in the Department's alternative staffing model.

(F) The length of the EMS System Program Plan for a Basic Life Support transport utilizing an EMR shall be for one year, and must be renewed annually if proof of the criteria being met is submitted, validated, and approved by the EMS Medical Director for the EMS System and the Department.

(G) Beginning July 1, 2023, the utilization of EMRs for advanced life support transports and Tier III Critical Care Transports shall be allowed for periods not to exceed 3 years under a pilot program. The pilot program shall not be implemented before Department approval. Agencies requesting to utilize this staffing model for the time period of the pilot program must complete the following:

(i) Submit a waiver request to the Department requesting to participate in the pilot program with specific details of how quality assurance and improvement will be gathered, measured, reported to the Department, and reviewed and utilized internally by the participating agency.

(ii) Submit a signed approval letter from the EMS System Medical Director approving participation in the pilot program.

(iii) Submit updated EMS System plans, additional education, and training of the EMR and protocols related to the pilot program.

(iv) Submit agency policies and procedures related to the pilot program.

(v) Submit the number of individuals currently participating and committed to participating in education programs to achieve a higher level of licensure at the time of submission.

(vi) Submit an explanation of how the provider will support individuals obtaining a higher level of licensure and encourage a higher level of licensure during the year of the alternative staffing plan and specific examples of recruitment and retention activities or initiatives.

Upon submission of a renewal application and recruitment and retention plan, the provider shall include additional data regarding current employment numbers, attrition rates over the year, and activities and initiatives over the previous year to address recruitment and retention.

The information required under this subparagraph (G) shall be provided to and retained by the EMS System upon initial application and renewal and shall be provided to the Department upon request.

The Department must allow for an alternative rural staffing model for those vehicle service providers that serve a rural or semi-rural population of 10,000 or fewer inhabitants and exclusively uses volunteers, paid-on-call, or a combination thereof.

(4) License all Vehicle Service Providers that have met the Department's requirements for licensure, unless such Provider is owned or licensed by the federal government. All Provider licenses issued by the Department shall specify the level and type of each vehicle covered by the license (BLS, ILS, ALS, ambulance, critical care transport, SEMSV, limited operation vehicle, special use vehicle, reserve ambulance).

(5) Annually inspect all licensed vehicles operated by Vehicle Service Providers.

(6) Suspend, revoke, refuse to issue or refuse to renew the license of any Vehicle Service Provider, or that portion of a license pertaining to a specific vehicle operated by the Provider, after an opportunity for a hearing, when findings show that the Provider or one or more of its vehicles has failed to comply with the standards and requirements of this Act or rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(7) Issue an Emergency Suspension Order for any Provider or vehicle licensed under this Act, when the Director or his designee has determined that an immediate and serious danger to the public health, safety and welfare exists. Suspension or revocation proceedings which offer an opportunity for hearing shall be promptly initiated after the Emergency Suspension Order has been issued.

(8) Exempt any licensed vehicle from subsequent vehicle design standards or specifications required by the Department, as long as said vehicle is continuously in compliance with the vehicle design standards and specifications originally applicable to that vehicle, or until said vehicle's title of ownership is transferred.

(9) Exempt any vehicle (except an SEMSV) which was being used as an ambulance on or before December 15, 1980, from vehicle design standards and specifications required by the Department, until said vehicle's title of ownership is transferred. Such vehicles shall not be exempt from all other licensing standards and requirements prescribed by the Department.

(10) Prohibit any Vehicle Service Provider from advertising, identifying its vehicles, or disseminating information in a false or misleading manner concerning the Provider's type and level of vehicles, location, primary service area, response times, level of personnel, licensure status or System participation.

(10.5) Prohibit any Vehicle Service Provider, whether municipal, private, or hospital-owned, from advertising itself as a critical care transport provider unless it participates in a Department-approved EMS System critical care transport plan.

(11) Charge each Vehicle Service Provider a fee per transport vehicle, due annually at time of inspection. The fee per transport vehicle shall be set by administrative rule by the Department and shall not exceed 100 vehicles per provider.

(12) Beginning July 1, 2023, as part of a pilot program that shall not exceed a term of 3 years, an ambulance may be upgraded to a higher level of care for interfacility transports by an ambulance assistance vehicle with appropriate equipment and licensed personnel to intercept with the licensed ambulance at the sending facility before departure. The pilot program shall not be implemented before Department approval. To participate in the pilot program, an agency must:

(A) Submit a waiver request to the Department with intercept vehicle vehicle identification numbers, calls signs, equipment detail, and a robust quality assurance plan that shall list, at minimum, detailed reasons each intercept had to be completed, barriers to initial dispatch of advanced life support services, and how this benefited the patient.

(B) Report to the Department quarterly additional data deemed meaningful by the providing agency along with the data required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph (12).

(C) Obtain a signed letter of approval from the EMS Medical Director allowing for participation in the pilot program.

(D) Update EMS System plans and protocols from the pilot program.

(E) Update policies and procedures from the agencies participating in the pilot program.

(Source: P.A. 102-623, eff. 8-27-21; 103-547, eff. 8-11-23.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.86)

Sec. 3.86. Stretcher van providers.

(a) In this Section, "stretcher van provider" means an entity licensed by the Department to provide non-emergency transportation of passengers on a stretcher in compliance with this Act or the rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, utilizing stretcher vans.

(b) The Department has the authority and responsibility to do the following:

(1) Require all stretcher van providers, both publicly and privately owned, to be licensed by the Department.

(2) Establish licensing and safety standards and requirements for stretcher van providers, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act, including but not limited to:

(A) Vehicle design, specification, operation, and maintenance standards.

(B) Safety equipment requirements and standards.

(C) Staffing requirements.

(D) Annual license renewal.

(3) License all stretcher van providers that have met the Department's requirements for licensure.

(4) Annually inspect all licensed stretcher van providers, and relicense providers that have met the Department's requirements for license renewal.

(5) Suspend, revoke, refuse to issue, or refuse to renew the license of any stretcher van provider, or that portion of a license pertaining to a specific vehicle operated by a provider, after an opportunity for a hearing, when findings show that the provider or one or more of its vehicles has failed to comply with the standards and requirements of this Act or the rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(6) Issue an emergency suspension order for any provider or vehicle licensed under this Act when the Director or his or her designee has determined that an immediate or serious danger to the public health, safety, and welfare exists. Suspension or revocation proceedings that offer an opportunity for a hearing shall be promptly initiated after the emergency suspension order has been issued.

(7) Prohibit any stretcher van provider from advertising, identifying its vehicles, or disseminating information in a false or misleading manner concerning the provider's type and level of vehicles, location, response times, level of personnel, licensure status, or EMS System participation.

(8) Charge each stretcher van provider a fee, to be submitted with each application for licensure and license renewal.

(c) A stretcher van provider may provide transport of a passenger on a stretcher, provided the passenger meets all of the following requirements:

(1) (Blank).

(2) He or she needs no medical monitoring or clinical observation.

(3) He or she needs routine transportation to or from a medical appointment or service if the passenger is convalescent or otherwise bed-confined and does not require clinical observation, aid, care, or treatment during transport.

(d) A stretcher van provider may not transport a passenger who meets any of the following conditions:

(1) He or she is being transported to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.

(2) He or she is experiencing an emergency medical condition or needs active medical monitoring, including isolation precautions, supplemental oxygen that is not self-administered, continuous airway management, suctioning during transport, or the administration of intravenous fluids during transport.

(e) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 103-363, eff. 7-28-23.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.87)

Sec. 3.87. Ambulance service provider and vehicle service provider upgrades; rural population.

(a) In this Section, "rural ambulance service provider" means an ambulance service provider licensed under this Act that serves a rural population of 7,500 or fewer inhabitants.

In this Section, "rural vehicle service provider" means an entity that serves a rural population of 7,500 or fewer inhabitants and is licensed by the Department to provide emergency or non-emergency medical services in compliance with this Act, the rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act, and an operational plan approved by the entity's EMS System, utilizing at least an ambulance, alternate response vehicle as defined by the Department in rules, or specialized emergency medical services vehicle.

(b) A rural ambulance service provider or rural vehicle service provider may submit a proposal to the EMS System Medical Director requesting approval of either or both of the following:

(1) Rural ambulance service provider or rural vehicle service provider in-field service level upgrade.

(A) An ambulance operated by a rural ambulance service provider or a specialized emergency medical services vehicle or alternate response vehicle operated by a rural vehicle service provider may be upgraded, as defined by the EMS System Medical Director in a policy or procedure, as long as the EMS System Medical Director and the Department have approved the proposal, to the highest level of EMT license (advanced life support/paramedic, intermediate life support, or basic life support) or Pre-Hospital APRN, Pre-Hospital PA, or Pre-Hospital RN license held by any person staffing that ambulance, specialized emergency medical services vehicle, or alternate response vehicle. The ambulance service provider's or rural vehicle service provider's proposal for an upgrade must include all of the following:

(i) The manner in which the provider will secure and store advanced life support equipment, supplies, and medications.

(ii) The type of quality assurance the provider will perform.

(iii) An assurance that the provider will advertise only the level of care that can be provided 24 hours a day.

(iv) A statement that the provider will have that vehicle inspected by the Department annually.

(B) If a rural ambulance service provider or rural vehicle service provider is approved to provide an in-field service level upgrade based on the licensed personnel on the vehicle, all the advanced life support medical supplies, durable medical equipment, and medications must be environmentally controlled, secured, and locked with access by only the personnel who have been authorized by the EMS System Medical Director to utilize those supplies.

(C) The EMS System shall routinely perform quality assurance, in compliance with the EMS System's quality assurance plan approved by the Department, on in-field service level upgrades authorized under this Section to ensure compliance with the EMS System plan.

(2) Rural ambulance service provider or rural vehicle service provider in-field service level upgrade. The EMS System Medical Director may define what constitutes an in-field service level upgrade through an EMS System policy or procedure. An in-field service level upgrade may include, but need not be limited to, an upgrade to a licensed ambulance, alternate response vehicle, or specialized emergency medical services vehicle.

(c) If the EMS System Medical Director approves a proposal for a rural in-field service level upgrade under this Section, he or she shall submit the proposal to the Department along with a statement of approval signed by him or her. Once the Department has approved the proposal, the rural ambulance service provider or rural vehicle service provider will be authorized to function at the highest level of EMT license (advanced life support/paramedic, intermediate life support, or basic life support) or Pre-Hospital RN, Pre-Hospital APRN, or Pre-Hospital PA license held by any person staffing the vehicle.

(Source: P.A. 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 100-1082, eff. 8-24-19.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.88)

Sec. 3.88. Ambulance assistance vehicle provider upgrades.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Ambulance assistance vehicle" has the meaning provided under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.825 and includes, but is not limited to, fire apparatus and fire department vehicles.

"Ambulance assistance vehicle provider" or "provider" means a provider of ambulance assistance vehicles that is licensed under this Act and serves a population within the State.

(b) An ambulance assistance vehicle provider may submit a proposal to the EMS Medical Director requesting approval of an ambulance assistance vehicle provider in-field service level upgrade.

(1) An ambulance assistance vehicle provider may be upgraded, as defined by the EMS Medical Director in a policy or procedure, as long as the EMS Medical Director and the Department have approved the proposal, to the highest level of EMT license (advanced life support/paramedic, intermediate life support, or basic life support) or Pre-Hospital RN certification held by any person staffing that provider's ambulance assistance vehicle. The ambulance assistance vehicle provider's proposal for an upgrade must include all of the following:

(A) The manner in which the provider will secure and store advanced life support equipment, supplies, and medications.

(B) The type of quality assurance the provider will perform.

(C) An assurance that the provider will advertise only the level of care that can be provided 24 hours a day.

(D) A statement that the provider will have that vehicle inspected by the Department annually.

(2) If an ambulance assistance vehicle provider is approved to provide an in-field service level upgrade based on the licensed personnel on the vehicle, all the advanced life support medical supplies, durable medical equipment, and medications must be environmentally controlled, secured, and locked with access by only the personnel who have been authorized by the EMS Medical Director to utilize those supplies.

(3) The EMS System shall routinely perform quality assurance, in compliance with the EMS System's quality assurance plan approved by the Department, on in-field service level upgrades authorized under this Section to ensure compliance with the EMS System plan.

The EMS Medical Director may define what constitutes an in-field service level upgrade through an EMS System policy or procedure. An in-field service level upgrade may include, but need not be limited to, an upgrade to a licensed ambulance, alternate response vehicle, or specialized emergency medical services vehicle.

(c) If the EMS Medical Director approves a proposal for an ambulance assistance vehicle provider's in-field service level upgrade under this Section, he or she shall submit the proposal to the Department along with a statement of approval signed by him or her. Once the Department has approved the proposal, the ambulance assistance vehicle provider shall be authorized to function at the highest level of EMT license (advanced life support/paramedic, intermediate life support, or basic life support) or Pre-Hospital RN certification held by any person staffing the provider's ambulance assistance vehicle.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall allow for the approval of a request to downgrade the service level licensure for an ambulance assistance vehicle provider.

(Source: P.A. 100-255, eff. 8-22-17.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.89)

Sec. 3.89. Rural populations; credential exception.

(a) In a rural population of 5,000 or fewer inhabitants, each EMS System Medical Director may create an exception to the credentialing process to allow registered nurses, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to apply to serve as volunteers who perform the same work as EMTs. As part of the volunteer recognition process, EMS Systems shall ensure that registered nurses, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses have an active license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This system-level recognition shall require documentation and proof of the completion of at least 20 hours of prehospital care-specific coursework approved by the Department of Public Health, including, but not limited to, airway management, ambulance operation, ambulance equipment, extrication, telecommunication, prehospital cardiac and trauma care, and 8 hours of observant riding time. Each EMS System Medical Director who creates an exception to the credentialing process under this Section may require additional training or documentation and may reject a volunteer applicant under this Section for just cause. Each exemption period shall be no longer than one year, after which time a volunteer applicant may apply for another exemption under this Section. Each EMS System Medical Director is responsible for ensuring that volunteer applicants meet EMS System requirements for credentialing and authorizing the practice in accordance with the EMS System plan for basic life support. Exceptions to the credentialing process under this Section are only allowable for volunteer EMS agencies in Illinois.

(b) The Department of Public Health may adopt rules to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-450, eff. 1-1-22.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.90)

Sec. 3.90. Trauma center designations.

(a) "Trauma Center" means a hospital which: (1) within designated capabilities provides optimal care to trauma patients; (2) participates in an approved EMS System; and (3) is duly designated pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Level I Trauma Centers shall provide all essential services in-house, 24 hours per day, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act. Level II and Level III Trauma Centers shall have some essential services available in-house, 24 hours per day, and other essential services readily available, 24 hours per day, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(a-5) An Acute Injury Stabilization Center shall have a basic or comprehensive emergency department capable of initial management and transfer of the acutely injured in accordance with rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(b) The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Establish and enforce minimum standards for designation and re-designation of 3 levels of trauma centers that meet trauma center national standards, as modified by the Department in administrative rules;

(2) Require hospitals applying for trauma center designation to submit a plan for designation in a manner and form prescribed by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(3) Upon receipt of a completed plan for designation, conduct a site visit to inspect the hospital for compliance with the Department's minimum standards. Such visit shall be conducted by specially qualified personnel with experience in the delivery of emergency medical and/or trauma care. A report of the inspection shall be provided to the Director within 30 days of the completion of the site visit. The report shall note compliance or lack of compliance with the individual standards for designation;

(4) Designate applicant hospitals as Level I, Level II, or Level III Trauma Centers which meet the minimum standards established by this Act and the Department. The Department shall designate a new trauma center only when a local or regional need for such trauma center has been identified. The Department shall request an assessment of local or regional need from the applicable EMS Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee, with advice from the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee. This shall not be construed as a needs assessment for health planning or other purposes outside of this Act;

(5) Attempt to designate trauma centers in all areas of the State. There shall be at least one Level I Trauma Center serving each EMS Region, unless waived by the Department. This subsection shall not be construed to require a Level I Trauma Center to be located in each EMS Region. Level I Trauma Centers shall serve as resources for the Level II and Level III Trauma Centers and Acute Injury Stabilization Centers in the EMS Regions. The extent of such relationships shall be defined in the EMS Region Plan;

(6) Inspect designated trauma centers to assure compliance with the provisions of this Act and the rules adopted pursuant to this Act. Information received by the Department through filed reports, inspection, or as otherwise authorized under this Act shall not be disclosed publicly in such a manner as to identify individuals or hospitals, except in proceedings involving the denial, suspension or revocation of a trauma center designation or imposition of a fine on a trauma center;

(7) Renew trauma center designations every 2 years, after an on-site inspection, based on compliance with renewal requirements and standards for continuing operation, as prescribed by the Department through rules adopted pursuant to this Act;

(8) Refuse to issue or renew a trauma center designation, after providing an opportunity for a hearing, when findings show that it does not meet the standards and criteria prescribed by the Department;

(9) Review and determine whether a trauma center's annual morbidity and mortality rates for trauma patients significantly exceed the State average for such rates, using a uniform recording methodology based on nationally recognized standards. Such determination shall be considered as a factor in any decision by the Department to renew or refuse to renew a trauma center designation under this Act, but shall not constitute the sole basis for refusing to renew a trauma center designation;

(10) Take the following action, as appropriate, after determining that a trauma center is in violation of this Act or any rule adopted pursuant to this Act:

(A) If the Director determines that the violation presents a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm will result and if the trauma center fails to eliminate the violation immediately or within a fixed period of time, not exceeding 10 days, as determined by the Director, the Director may immediately revoke the trauma center designation. The trauma center may appeal the revocation within 15 days after receiving the Director's revocation order, by requesting a hearing as provided by Section 29 of this Act. The Director shall notify the chair of the Region's Trauma Center Medical Directors Committee and EMS Medical Directors for appropriate EMS Systems of such trauma center designation revocation;

(B) If the Director determines that the violation does not present a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm will result, the Director shall issue a notice of violation and request a plan of correction which shall be subject to the Department's approval. The trauma center shall have 10 days after receipt of the notice of violation in which to submit a plan of correction. The Department may extend this period for up to 30 days. The plan shall include a fixed time period not in excess of 90 days within which violations are to be corrected. The plan of correction and the status of its implementation by the trauma center shall be provided, as appropriate, to the EMS Medical Directors for appropriate EMS Systems. If the Department rejects a plan of correction, it shall send notice of the rejection and the reason for the rejection to the trauma center. The trauma center shall have 10 days after receipt of the notice of rejection in which to submit a modified plan. If the modified plan is not timely submitted, or if the modified plan is rejected, the trauma center shall follow an approved plan of correction imposed by the Department. If, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the Director determines that a trauma center has failed to comply with an approved plan of correction, the Director may suspend or revoke the trauma center designation. The trauma center shall have 15 days after receiving the Director's notice in which to request a hearing. Such hearing shall conform to the provisions of Section 3.135 of this Act;

(11) The Department may delegate authority to local health departments in jurisdictions which include a substantial number of trauma centers. The delegated authority to those local health departments shall include, but is not limited to, the authority to designate trauma centers with final approval by the Department, maintain a regional data base with concomitant reporting of trauma registry data, and monitor, inspect and investigate trauma centers within their jurisdiction, in accordance with the requirements of this Act and the rules promulgated by the Department;

(A) The Department shall monitor the performance of local health departments with authority delegated pursuant to this Section, based upon performance criteria established in rules promulgated by the Department;

(B) Delegated authority may be revoked for non-compliance with the Act or the Department's rules. Notice of an intent to revoke shall be served upon the local health department by certified mail, stating the reasons for revocation and offering an opportunity for an administrative hearing to contest the proposed revocation. The request for a hearing must be in writing and received by the Department within 10 working days of the local health department's receipt of notification;

(C) The director of a local health department may relinquish its delegated authority upon 60 days written notification to the Director of Public Health.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.95)

Sec. 3.95. Level I Trauma Center minimum standards. The Department shall establish, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act, standards for Level I Trauma Centers which shall include, but need not be limited to:

(a) the designation by the trauma center of a Trauma Center Medical Director and specification of his qualifications;

(b) the types of surgical services the trauma center must have available for trauma patients, including but not limited to a twenty-four hour in-house surgeon with operating privileges and ancillary staff necessary for immediate surgical intervention;

(c) the types of nonsurgical services the trauma center must have available for trauma patients;

(d) the numbers and qualifications of emergency medical personnel;

(e) the types of equipment that must be available to trauma patients;

(f) requiring the trauma center to be affiliated with an EMS System;

(g) requiring the trauma center to have a communications system that is fully integrated with all Level II Trauma Centers, Level III Trauma Centers, Acute Injury Stabilization Centers, and EMS Systems with which it is affiliated;

(h) the types of data the trauma center must collect and submit to the Department relating to the trauma services it provides. Such data may include information on post-trauma care directly related to the initial traumatic injury provided to trauma patients until their discharge from the facility and information on discharge plans;

(i) requiring the trauma center to have helicopter landing capabilities approved by appropriate State and federal authorities, if the trauma center is located within a municipality having a population of less than two million people; and

(j) requiring written agreements with Level II Trauma Centers, Level III Trauma Centers, and Acute Injury Stabilization Centers in the EMS Regions it serves, executed within a reasonable time designated by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.100)

Sec. 3.100. Level II Trauma Center minimum standards. The Department shall establish, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act, standards for Level II Trauma Centers which shall include, but need not be limited to:

(a) the designation by the trauma center of a Trauma Center Medical Director and specification of his qualifications;

(b) the types of surgical services the trauma center must have available for trauma patients. The Department shall not require the availability of all surgical services required of Level I Trauma Centers;

(c) the types of nonsurgical services the trauma center must have available for trauma patients;

(d) the numbers and qualifications of emergency medical personnel, taking into consideration the more limited trauma services available in a Level II Trauma Center;

(e) the types of equipment that must be available for trauma patients;

(f) requiring the trauma center to have a written agreement with Level I Trauma Centers, Level III Trauma Centers, and Acute Injury Stabilization Centers serving the EMS Region outlining their respective responsibilities in providing trauma services, executed within a reasonable time designated by the Department, unless the requirement for a Level I Trauma Center to serve that EMS Region has been waived by the Department;

(g) requiring the trauma center to be affiliated with an EMS System;

(h) requiring the trauma center to have a communications system that is fully integrated with the Level I Trauma Centers, Level III Trauma Centers, Acute Injury Stabilization Centers, and the EMS Systems with which it is affiliated;

(i) the types of data the trauma center must collect and submit to the Department relating to the trauma services it provides. Such data may include information on post-trauma care directly related to the initial traumatic injury provided to trauma patients until their discharge from the facility and information on discharge plans;

(j) requiring the trauma center to have helicopter landing capabilities approved by appropriate State and federal authorities, if the trauma center is located within a municipality having a population of less than two million people.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.101)

Sec. 3.101. Level III Trauma Center minimum standards. The Department shall establish, through rules adopted under this Act, standards for Level III Trauma Centers that shall include, but need not be limited to:

(1) the designation by the trauma center of a Trauma Center Medical Director and specification of his or her qualifications;

(2) the types of surgical services the trauma center must have available for trauma patients; the Department shall not require the availability of all surgical services required of Level I or Level II Trauma Centers;

(3) the types of nonsurgical services the trauma center must have available for trauma patients;

(4) the numbers and qualifications of emergency medical personnel, taking into consideration the more limited trauma services available in a Level III Trauma Center;

(5) the types of equipment that must be available for trauma patients;

(6) requiring the trauma center to have a written agreement with Level I Trauma Centers, Level II Trauma Centers, and Acute Injury Stabilization Centers serving the EMS Region outlining their respective responsibilities in providing trauma services, executed within a reasonable time designated by the Department, unless the requirement for a Level I Trauma Center to serve that EMS Region has been waived by the Department;

(7) requiring the trauma center to be affiliated with an EMS System;

(8) requiring the trauma center to have a communications system that is fully integrated with the Level I Trauma Centers, Level II Trauma Centers, Acute Injury Stabilization Centers, and the EMS Systems with which it is affiliated;

(9) the types of data the trauma center must collect and submit to the Department relating to the trauma services it provides; such data may include information on post-trauma care directly related to the initial traumatic injury provided to trauma patients until their discharge from the facility and information on discharge plans; and

(10) requiring the trauma center to have helicopter landing capabilities approved by appropriate State and federal authorities if the trauma center is located within a municipality having a population of less than 2,000,000 people.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.102)

Sec. 3.102. Acute Injury Stabilization Center minimum standards. The Department shall establish, through rules adopted pursuant to this Act, standards for Acute Injury Stabilization Centers, which shall include, but need not be limited to, Comprehensive or Basic Emergency Department services pursuant to the Hospital Licensing Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.105)

Sec. 3.105. Trauma Center misrepresentation. No facility shall use the phrase "trauma center" or words of similar meaning in relation to itself or hold itself out as a trauma center without first obtaining designation pursuant to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.106)

Sec. 3.106. Acute Injury Stabilization Center misrepresentation. No facility shall use the phrase "Acute Injury Stabilization Center" or words of similar meaning in relation to itself or hold itself out as an Acute Injury Stabilization Center without first obtaining designation pursuant to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.110)

Sec. 3.110. EMS system and trauma center confidentiality and immunity.

(a) All information contained in or relating to any medical audit performed of a trauma center's trauma services or an Acute Injury Stabilization Center pursuant to this Act or by an EMS Medical Director or his designee of medical care rendered by System personnel, shall be afforded the same status as is provided information concerning medical studies in Article VIII, Part 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Disclosure of such information to the Department pursuant to this Act shall not be considered a violation of Article VIII, Part 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(b) Hospitals, trauma centers and individuals that perform or participate in medical audits pursuant to this Act shall be immune from civil liability to the same extent as provided in Section 10.2 of the Hospital Licensing Act.

(c) All information relating to the State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board or a local review board, except final decisions, shall be afforded the same status as is provided information concerning medical studies in Article VIII, Part 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Disclosure of such information to the Department pursuant to this Act shall not be considered a violation of Article VIII, Part 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.115)

Sec. 3.115. Pediatric care; emergency medical services for children. The Director shall appoint an advisory council to make recommendations for pediatric care needs and develop strategies to address areas of need as defined in rules adopted by the Department.

The Department shall:

(1) develop or promote recommendations for continuing medical education, treatment guidelines, and other programs for health practitioners and organizations involved in pediatric care;

(2) support existing pediatric care programs and assist in establishing new pediatric care initiatives throughout the State;

(3) designate applicant hospitals that meet the minimum standards established by the Department for their pediatric emergency and critical care capabilities.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.116)

Sec. 3.116. Hospital Stroke Care; definitions. As used in Sections 3.116 through 3.119, 3.130, and 3.200 of this Act:

"Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital" means a hospital that has been designated by the Department as meeting the criteria for providing emergent stroke care. Designation may be provided after a hospital has been certified or through application and designation as such.

"Certification" or "certified" means certification, using evidence-based standards, from a nationally recognized certifying body approved by the Department.

"Comprehensive Stroke Center" means a hospital that has been certified and has been designated as such.

"Designation" or "designated" means the Department's recognition of a hospital as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital.

"Emergent stroke care" is emergency medical care that includes diagnosis and emergency medical treatment of acute stroke patients.

"Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital" means a hospital that has been designated by the Department as meeting the criteria for providing emergent stroke care.

"Primary Stroke Center" means a hospital that has been certified by a Department-approved, nationally recognized certifying body and designated as such by the Department.

"Primary Stroke Center Plus" means a hospital that has been certified by a Department-approved, nationally recognized certifying body and designated as such by the Department.

"Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee" means a subcommittee formed within each Regional EMS Advisory Committee to advise the Director and the Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee on the triage, treatment, and transport of possible acute stroke patients and to select the Region's representative to the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee. At minimum, the Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee shall consist of: one representative from the EMS Medical Directors Committee; one EMS coordinator from a Resource Hospital; one administrative representative or his or her designee from each level of stroke care, including Comprehensive Stroke Centers within the Region, if any, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers within the Region, if any, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers within the Region, if any, Primary Stroke Centers Plus within the Region, if any, Primary Stroke Centers within the Region, if any, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals within the Region, if any; one physician from each level of stroke care, including one physician who is a neurologist or who provides advanced stroke care at a Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Region, if any, one physician who is a neurologist or who provides acute stroke care at a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center within the Region, if any, a Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center within the Region, if any, or a Primary Stroke Center Plus in the Region, if any, one physician who is a neurologist or who provides acute stroke care at a Primary Stroke Center in the Region, if any, and one physician who provides acute stroke care at an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital in the Region, if any; one nurse practicing in each level of stroke care, including one nurse from a Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Region, if any, one nurse from a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, if any, a Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center within the Region, if any, or a Primary Stroke Center Plus in the Region, if any, one nurse from a Primary Stroke Center in the Region, if any, and one nurse from an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital in the Region, if any; one representative from both a public and a private vehicle service provider that transports possible acute stroke patients within the Region; the State-designated regional EMS Coordinator; and a fire chief or his or her designee from the EMS Region, if the Region serves a population of more than 2,000,000. The Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee shall establish bylaws to ensure equal membership that rotates and clearly delineates committee responsibilities and structure. Of the members first appointed, one-third shall be appointed for a term of one year, one-third shall be appointed for a term of 2 years, and the remaining members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. The terms of subsequent appointees shall be 3 years.

"State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee" means a standing advisory body within the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

"Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center" means a hospital that has been certified by a Department-approved, nationally recognized certifying body and designated as such by the Department.

"Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center" means a hospital that has been certified by a Department-approved, nationally recognized certifying body and designated as such by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 102-687, eff. 12-17-21; 103-149, eff. 1-1-24; 103-363, eff. 7-28-23; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.117)

Sec. 3.117. Hospital designations.

(a) The Department shall attempt to designate Primary Stroke Centers in all areas of the State.

(1) The Department shall designate as many certified Primary Stroke Centers as apply for that designation provided they are certified by a nationally recognized certifying body, approved by the Department, and certification criteria are consistent with the most current nationally recognized, evidence-based stroke guidelines related to reducing the occurrence, disabilities, and death associated with stroke.

(2) A hospital certified as a Primary Stroke Center by a nationally recognized certifying body approved by the Department, shall send a copy of the Certificate and annual fee to the Department and shall be deemed, within 30 business days of its receipt by the Department, to be a State-designated Primary Stroke Center.

(3) A center designated as a Primary Stroke Center shall pay an annual fee as determined by the Department that shall be no less than $100 and no greater than $500. All fees shall be deposited into the Stroke Data Collection Fund.

(3.5) With respect to a hospital that is a designated Primary Stroke Center, the Department shall have the authority and responsibility to do the following:

(A) Suspend or revoke a hospital's Primary Stroke Center designation upon receiving notice that the hospital's Primary Stroke Center certification has lapsed or has been revoked by the State recognized certifying body.

(B) Suspend a hospital's Primary Stroke Center designation, in extreme circumstances where patients may be at risk for immediate harm or death, until such time as the certifying body investigates and makes a final determination regarding certification.

(C) Restore any previously suspended or revoked Department designation upon notice to the Department that the certifying body has confirmed or restored the Primary Stroke Center certification of that previously designated hospital.

(D) Suspend a hospital's Primary Stroke Center designation at the request of a hospital seeking to suspend its own Department designation.

(4) Primary Stroke Center designation shall remain valid at all times while the hospital maintains its certification as a Primary Stroke Center, in good standing, with the certifying body. The duration of a Primary Stroke Center designation shall coincide with the duration of its Primary Stroke Center certification. Each designated Primary Stroke Center shall have its designation automatically renewed upon the Department's receipt of a copy of the accrediting body's certification renewal.

(5) A hospital that no longer meets nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for Primary Stroke Centers, or loses its Primary Stroke Center certification, shall notify the Department and the Regional EMS Advisory Committee within 5 business days.

(a-5) The Department shall attempt to designate Comprehensive Stroke Centers in all areas of the State.

(1) The Department shall designate as many certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers as apply for that designation, provided that the Comprehensive Stroke Centers are certified by a nationally recognized certifying body approved by the Department, and provided that the certifying body's certification criteria are consistent with the most current nationally recognized and evidence-based stroke guidelines for reducing the occurrence of stroke and the disabilities and death associated with stroke.

(2) A hospital certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center shall send a copy of the Certificate and annual fee to the Department and shall be deemed, within 30 business days of its receipt by the Department, to be a State-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.

(3) A hospital designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center shall pay an annual fee as determined by the Department that shall be no less than $100 and no greater than $500. All fees shall be deposited into the Stroke Data Collection Fund.

(4) With respect to a hospital that is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, the Department shall have the authority and responsibility to do the following:

(A) Suspend or revoke the hospital's Comprehensive Stroke Center designation upon receiving notice that the hospital's Comprehensive Stroke Center certification has lapsed or has been revoked by the State recognized certifying body.

(B) Suspend the hospital's Comprehensive Stroke Center designation, in extreme circumstances in which patients may be at risk for immediate harm or death, until such time as the certifying body investigates and makes a final determination regarding certification.

(C) Restore any previously suspended or revoked Department designation upon notice to the Department that the certifying body has confirmed or restored the Comprehensive Stroke Center certification of that previously designated hospital.

(D) Suspend the hospital's Comprehensive Stroke Center designation at the request of a hospital seeking to suspend its own Department designation.

(5) Comprehensive Stroke Center designation shall remain valid at all times while the hospital maintains its certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, in good standing, with the certifying body. The duration of a Comprehensive Stroke Center designation shall coincide with the duration of its Comprehensive Stroke Center certification. Each designated Comprehensive Stroke Center shall have its designation automatically renewed upon the Department's receipt of a copy of the certifying body's certification renewal.

(6) A hospital that no longer meets nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for Comprehensive Stroke Centers, or loses its Comprehensive Stroke Center certification, shall notify the Department and the Regional EMS Advisory Committee within 5 business days.

(a-5) The Department shall attempt to designate Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, and Primary Stroke Centers Plus in all areas of the State according to the following requirements:

(1) The Department shall designate as many certified Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, and Primary Stroke Centers Plus as apply for that designation, provided that the body certifying the facility uses certification criteria consistent with the most current nationally recognized and evidence-based stroke guidelines for reducing the occurrence of strokes and the disabilities and death associated with strokes.

(2) A Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus shall send a copy of the certificate of its designation and annual fee to the Department and shall be deemed, within 30 business days after its receipt by the Department, to be a State-designated Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus.

(3) A Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus shall pay an annual fee as determined by the Department that shall be no less than $100 and no greater than $500. All fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited into the Stroke Data Collection Fund.

(4) With respect to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus, the Department shall:

(A) suspend or revoke the Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus designation upon receiving notice that the Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center's, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center's, or Primary Stroke Center Plus's certification has lapsed or has been revoked by its certifying body;

(B) in extreme circumstances in which patients may be at risk for immediate harm or death, suspend the Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center's, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center's, or Primary Stroke Center Plus's designation until its certifying body investigates the circumstances and makes a final determination regarding its certification;

(C) restore any previously suspended or revoked Department designation upon notice to the Department that the certifying body has confirmed or restored the Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center's, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center's, or Primary Stroke Center Plus's certification; and

(D) suspend the Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center's, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center's, or Primary Stroke Center Plus's designation at the request of a facility seeking to suspend its own Department designation.

(5) A Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus designation shall remain valid at all times while the facility maintains its certification as a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus and is in good standing with the certifying body. The duration of a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus designation shall be the same as the duration of its Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus certification. Each designated Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus shall have its designation automatically renewed upon the Department's receipt of a copy of the certifying body's renewal of the certification.

(6) A hospital that no longer meets the criteria for Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, or Primary Stroke Centers Plus, or loses its Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus certification, shall notify the Department and the Regional EMS Advisory Committee of the situation within 5 business days after being made aware of it.

(b) Beginning on the first day of the month that begins 12 months after the adoption of rules authorized by this subsection, the Department shall attempt to designate hospitals as Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals in all areas of the State. Designation may be approved by the Department after a hospital has been certified as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital or through application and designation by the Department. For any hospital that is designated as an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital at the time that the Department begins the designation of Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals, the Emergent Stroke Ready designation shall remain intact for the duration of the 12-month period until that designation expires. Until the Department begins the designation of hospitals as Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals, hospitals may achieve Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital designation utilizing the processes and criteria provided in Public Act 96-514.

(1) (Blank).

(2) Hospitals may apply for, and receive, Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation from the Department, provided that the hospital attests, on a form developed by the Department in consultation with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee, that it meets, and will continue to meet, the criteria for Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation and pays an annual fee.

A hospital designated as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital shall pay an annual fee as determined by the Department that shall be no less than $100 and no greater than $500. All fees shall be deposited into the Stroke Data Collection Fund.

(2.5) A hospital may apply for, and receive, Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation from the Department, provided that the hospital provides proof of current Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital certification and the hospital pays an annual fee.

(A) Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation shall remain valid at all times while the hospital maintains its certification as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, in good standing, with the certifying body.

(B) The duration of an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation shall coincide with the duration of its Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital certification.

(C) Each designated Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital shall have its designation automatically renewed upon the Department's receipt of a copy of the certifying body's certification renewal and Application for Stroke Center Designation form.

(D) A hospital must submit a copy of its certification renewal from the certifying body as soon as practical but no later than 30 business days after that certification is received by the hospital. Upon the Department's receipt of the renewal certification, the Department shall renew the hospital's Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation.

(E) A hospital designated as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital shall pay an annual fee as determined by the Department that shall be no less than $100 and no greater than $500. All fees shall be deposited into the Stroke Data Collection Fund.

(3) Hospitals seeking Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation that do not have certification shall develop policies and procedures that are consistent with nationally recognized, evidence-based protocols for the provision of emergent stroke care. Hospital policies relating to emergent stroke care and stroke patient outcomes shall be reviewed at least annually, or more often as needed, by a hospital committee that oversees quality improvement. Adjustments shall be made as necessary to advance the quality of stroke care delivered. Criteria for Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation of hospitals shall be limited to the ability of a hospital to:

(A) create written acute care protocols related to emergent stroke care;

(A-5) participate in the data collection system provided in Section 3.118, if available;

(B) maintain a written transfer agreement with one or more hospitals that have neurosurgical expertise;

(C) designate a Clinical Director of Stroke Care who shall be a clinical member of the hospital staff with training or experience, as defined by the facility, in the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease. This training or experience may include, but is not limited to, completion of a fellowship or other specialized training in the area of cerebrovascular disease, attendance at national courses, or prior experience in neuroscience intensive care units. The Clinical Director of Stroke Care may be a neurologist, neurosurgeon, emergency medicine physician, internist, radiologist, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician's assistant;

(C-5) provide rapid access to an acute stroke team, as defined by the facility, that considers and reflects nationally recognized, evidence-based protocols or guidelines;

(D) administer thrombolytic therapy, or subsequently developed medical therapies that meet nationally recognized, evidence-based stroke guidelines;

(E) conduct brain image tests at all times;

(F) conduct blood coagulation studies at all times;

(G) maintain a log of stroke patients, which shall be available for review upon request by the Department or any hospital that has a written transfer agreement with the Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital;

(H) admit stroke patients to a unit that can provide appropriate care that considers and reflects nationally recognized, evidence-based protocols or guidelines or transfer stroke patients to an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, Primary Stroke Center, or Comprehensive Stroke Center, or another facility that can provide the appropriate care that considers and reflects nationally recognized, evidence-based protocols or guidelines; and

(I) demonstrate compliance with nationally recognized quality indicators.

(4) With respect to Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation, the Department shall have the authority and responsibility to do the following:

(A) Require hospitals applying for Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation to attest, on a form developed by the Department in consultation with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee, that the hospital meets, and will continue to meet, the criteria for an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital.

(A-5) Require hospitals applying for Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation via national Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital certification to provide proof of current Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital certification, in good standing.

The Department shall require a hospital that is already certified as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital to send a copy of the Certificate to the Department.

Within 30 business days of the Department's receipt of a hospital's Acute Stroke-Ready Certificate and Application for Stroke Center Designation form that indicates that the hospital is a certified Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, in good standing, the hospital shall be deemed a State-designated Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital. The Department shall send a designation notice to each hospital that it designates as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital and shall add the names of designated Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals to the website listing immediately upon designation. The Department shall immediately remove the name of a hospital from the website listing when a hospital loses its designation after notice and, if requested by the hospital, a hearing.

The Department shall develop an Application for Stroke Center Designation form that contains a statement that "The above named facility meets the requirements for Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital Designation as provided in Section 3.117 of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act" and shall instruct the applicant facility to provide: the hospital name and address; the hospital CEO or Administrator's typed name and signature; the hospital Clinical Director of Stroke Care's typed name and signature; and a contact person's typed name, email address, and phone number.

The Application for Stroke Center Designation form shall contain a statement that instructs the hospital to "Provide proof of current Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital certification from a nationally recognized certifying body approved by the Department".

(B) Designate a hospital as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital no more than 30 business days after receipt of an attestation that meets the requirements for attestation, unless the Department, within 30 days of receipt of the attestation, chooses to conduct an onsite survey prior to designation. If the Department chooses to conduct an onsite survey prior to designation, then the onsite survey shall be conducted within 90 days of receipt of the attestation.

(C) Require annual written attestation, on a form developed by the Department in consultation with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee, by Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals to indicate compliance with Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital criteria, as described in this Section, and automatically renew Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation of the hospital.

(D) Issue an Emergency Suspension of Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation when the Director, or his or her designee, has determined that the hospital no longer meets the Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital criteria and an immediate and serious danger to the public health, safety, and welfare exists. If the Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital fails to eliminate the violation immediately or within a fixed period of time, not exceeding 10 days, as determined by the Director, the Director may immediately revoke the Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation. The Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital may appeal the revocation within 15 business days after receiving the Director's revocation order, by requesting an administrative hearing.

(E) After notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation, when the Department finds the hospital is not in substantial compliance with current Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital criteria.

(c) The Department shall consult with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee for developing the designation, re-designation, and de-designation processes for Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals.

(d) The Department shall consult with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee as subject matter experts at least annually regarding stroke standards of care.

(Source: P.A. 102-687, eff. 12-17-21; 103-149, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.117.5)

Sec. 3.117.5. Hospital Stroke Care; grants.

(a) In order to encourage the establishment and retention of Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals throughout the State, the Director may award, subject to appropriation, matching grants to hospitals to be used for the acquisition and maintenance of necessary infrastructure, including personnel, equipment, and pharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke patients. Grants may be used to pay the fee for certifications by Department approved nationally recognized certifying bodies or to provide additional training for directors of stroke care or for hospital staff.

(b) The Director may award grant moneys to Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals for developing or enlarging stroke networks, for stroke education, and to enhance the ability of the EMS System to respond to possible acute stroke patients.

(c) A Comprehensive Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, Primary Stroke Center Plus, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, or a hospital seeking certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, Primary Stroke Center Plus, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital or designation as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, may apply to the Director for a matching grant in a manner and form specified by the Director and shall provide information as the Director deems necessary to determine whether the hospital is eligible for the grant.

(d) Matching grant awards shall be made to Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals, or hospitals seeking certification or designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, Primary Stroke Center Plus, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital. The Department may consider prioritizing grant awards to hospitals in areas with the highest incidence of stroke, taking into account geographic diversity, where possible.

(Source: P.A. 102-687, eff. 12-17-21; 103-149, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.117.75)

Sec. 3.117.75. Stroke Data Collection Fund.

(a) The Stroke Data Collection Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury.

(b) Moneys in the fund shall be used by the Department to support the data collection provided for in Section 3.118 of this Act. Any surplus funds beyond what are needed to support the data collection provided for in Section 3.118 of this Act shall be used by the Department to support the salary of the Department Stroke Coordinator or for other stroke-care initiatives, including administrative oversight of stroke care.

(Source: P.A. 98-1001, eff. 1-1-15.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.118)

Sec. 3.118. Reporting.

(a) The Director shall, not later than July 1, 2012, prepare and submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a report indicating the total number of hospitals that have applied for grants, the project for which the application was submitted, the number of those applicants that have been found eligible for the grants, the total number of grants awarded, the name and address of each grantee, and the amount of the award issued to each grantee.

(b) By July 1, 2010, the Director shall send the list of designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals to all Resource Hospital EMS Medical Directors in this State and shall post a list of designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals on the Department's website, which shall be continuously updated.

(c) The Department shall add the names of designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals to the website listing immediately upon designation and shall immediately remove the name when a hospital loses its designation after notice and a hearing.

(d) Stroke data collection systems and all stroke-related data collected from hospitals shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) The confidentiality of patient records shall be maintained in accordance with State and federal laws.

(2) Hospital proprietary information and the names of any hospital administrator, health care professional, or employee shall not be subject to disclosure.

(3) Information submitted to the Department shall be privileged and strictly confidential and shall be used only for the evaluation and improvement of hospital stroke care. Stroke data collected by the Department shall not be directly available to the public and shall not be subject to civil subpoena, nor discoverable or admissible in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding against a health care facility or health care professional.

(e) The Department may administer a data collection system to collect data that is already reported by designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals to their certifying body, to fulfill certification requirements. Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals may provide data used in submission to their certifying body, to satisfy any Department reporting requirements. The Department may require submission of data elements in a format that is used State-wide. In the event the Department establishes reporting requirements for designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals, the Department shall permit each designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital to capture information using existing electronic reporting tools used for certification purposes. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to empower the Department to specify the form of internal recordkeeping. Three years from the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the Department may post stroke data submitted by Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals on its website, subject to the following:

(1) Data collection and analytical methodologies shall be used that meet accepted standards of validity and reliability before any information is made available to the public.

(2) The limitations of the data sources and analytic methodologies used to develop comparative hospital information shall be clearly identified and acknowledged, including, but not limited to, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of the data.

(3) To the greatest extent possible, comparative hospital information initiatives shall use standard-based norms derived from widely accepted provider-developed practice guidelines.

(4) Comparative hospital information and other information that the Department has compiled regarding hospitals shall be shared with the hospitals under review prior to public dissemination of the information. Hospitals have 30 days to make corrections and to add helpful explanatory comments about the information before the publication.

(5) Comparisons among hospitals shall adjust for patient case mix and other relevant risk factors and control for provider peer groups, when appropriate.

(6) Effective safeguards to protect against the unauthorized use or disclosure of hospital information shall be developed and implemented.

(7) Effective safeguards to protect against the dissemination of inconsistent, incomplete, invalid, inaccurate, or subjective hospital data shall be developed and implemented.

(8) The quality and accuracy of hospital information reported under this Act and its data collection, analysis, and dissemination methodologies shall be evaluated regularly.

(9) None of the information the Department discloses to the public under this Act may be used to establish a standard of care in a private civil action.

(10) The Department shall disclose information under this Section in accordance with provisions for inspection and copying of public records required by the Freedom of Information Act, provided that the information satisfies the provisions of this Section.

(11) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, under no circumstances shall the Department disclose information obtained from a hospital that is confidential under Part 21 of Article VIII of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(12) No hospital report or Department disclosure may contain information identifying a patient, employee, or licensed professional.

(Source: P.A. 103-149, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.118.5)

Sec. 3.118.5. State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee; triage and transport of possible acute stroke patients.

(a) There shall be established within the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, or other statewide body responsible for emergency health care, a standing State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee, which shall serve as an advisory body to the Council and the Department on matters related to the triage, treatment, and transport of possible acute stroke patients. Membership on the Committee shall be as geographically diverse as possible and include one representative from each Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee, to be chosen by each Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee. The Director shall appoint additional members, as needed, to ensure there is adequate representation from the following:

(1) an EMS Medical Director;

(2) a hospital administrator, or designee, from a Comprehensive Stroke Center;

(2.5) a hospital administrator, or designee, from a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus;

(3) a hospital administrator, or designee, from a Primary Stroke Center;

(3.5) a hospital administrator, or designee, from an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital;

(3.10) a registered nurse from a Comprehensive Stroke Center;

(3.15) a registered nurse from a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus;

(4) a registered nurse from a Primary Stroke Center;

(5) a registered nurse from an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital;

(5.5) a physician providing advanced stroke care from a Comprehensive Stroke center;

(5.10) a physician providing stroke care from a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, or Primary Stroke Center Plus;

(6) a physician providing stroke care from a Primary Stroke Center;

(7) a physician providing stroke care from an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital;

(8) an EMS Coordinator;

(9) an acute stroke patient advocate;

(10) a fire chief, or designee, from an EMS Region that serves a population of over 2,000,000 people;

(11) a fire chief, or designee, from a rural EMS Region;

(12) a representative from a private ambulance provider;

(12.5) a representative from a municipal EMS provider; and

(13) a representative from the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

(b) Of the members first appointed, 9 members shall be appointed for a term of one year, 9 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years, and the remaining members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. The terms of subsequent appointees shall be 3 years.

(c) The State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee shall be provided a 90-day period in which to review and comment upon all rules proposed by the Department pursuant to this Act concerning stroke care, except for emergency rules adopted pursuant to Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The 90-day review and comment period shall commence prior to publication of the proposed rules and upon the Department's submission of the proposed rules to the individual Committee members, if the Committee is not meeting at the time the proposed rules are ready for Committee review.

(d) The State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee shall develop and submit an evidence-based statewide stroke assessment tool to clinically evaluate potential stroke patients to the Department for final approval. Upon approval, the Department shall disseminate the tool to all EMS Systems for adoption. The Director shall post the Department-approved stroke assessment tool on the Department's website. The State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee shall review the Department-approved stroke assessment tool at least annually to ensure its clinical relevancy and to make changes when clinically warranted.

(d-5) Each EMS Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee shall submit recommendations for continuing education for pre-hospital personnel to that Region's EMS Medical Directors Committee.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall preclude the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee from reviewing and commenting on proposed rules which fall under the purview of the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. Nothing in this Section shall preclude the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council from reviewing and commenting on proposed rules which fall under the purview of the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee.

(f) The Director shall coordinate with and assist the EMS System Medical Directors and Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittee within each EMS Region to establish protocols related to the assessment, treatment, and transport of possible acute stroke patients by licensed emergency medical services providers. These protocols shall include regional transport plans for the triage and transport of possible acute stroke patients to the most appropriate Comprehensive Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Center, Primary Stroke Center Plus, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, unless circumstances warrant otherwise.

(Source: P.A. 103-149, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.119)

Sec. 3.119. Stroke Care; restricted practices. Sections in this Act pertaining to Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers Plus, Primary Stroke Centers, and Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals are not medical practice guidelines and shall not be used to restrict the authority of a hospital to provide services for which it has received a license under State law.

(Source: P.A. 103-149, eff. 1-1-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.120)

Sec. 3.120. Helicopter Plan. The Department shall cooperate with the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a statewide use plan for helicopters operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.125)

Sec. 3.125. Complaint Investigations.

(a) The Department shall promptly investigate complaints which it receives concerning any person or entity which the Department licenses, certifies, approves, permits or designates pursuant to this Act.

(b) The Department shall notify an EMS Medical Director of any complaints it receives involving System personnel or participants.

(c) The Department shall conduct any inspections, interviews and reviews of records which it deems necessary in order to investigate complaints.

(d) All persons and entities which are licensed, certified, approved, permitted or designated pursuant to this Act shall fully cooperate with any Department complaint investigation, including providing patient medical records requested by the Department. Any patient medical record received or reviewed by the Department shall not be disclosed publicly in such a manner as to identify individual patients, without the consent of such patient or his or her legally authorized representative. Patient medical records may be disclosed to a party in administrative proceedings brought by the Department pursuant to this Act, but such patient's identity shall be masked before disclosure of such record during any public hearing unless otherwise authorized by the patient or his or her legally authorized representative.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.130)

Sec. 3.130. Facility, system, and equipment violations; Plans of Correction. Except for emergency suspension orders, or actions initiated pursuant to Sections 3.117(a), 3.117(b), and 3.90(b)(10) of this Act, prior to initiating an action in response to a facility, system, or equipment violation, the Department shall:

(a) Issue a Notice of Violation which specifies the Department's allegations of noncompliance and requests a plan of correction to be submitted within 10 days after receipt of the Notice of Violation;

(b) Review and approve or reject the plan of correction. If the Department rejects the plan of correction, it shall send notice of the rejection and the reason for the rejection. The party shall have 10 days after receipt of the notice of rejection in which to submit a modified plan;

(c) Impose a plan of correction if a modified plan is not submitted in a timely manner or if the modified plan is rejected by the Department;

(d) Issue a Notice of Intent to fine, suspend, revoke, nonrenew or deny if the party has failed to comply with the imposed plan of correction, and provide the party with an opportunity to request an administrative hearing. The Notice of Intent shall be effected by certified mail or by personal service, shall set forth the particular reasons for the proposed action, and shall provide the party with 15 days in which to request a hearing.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.133)

Sec. 3.133. Suspension of license for failure to pay restitution. The Department, without further process or hearing, shall suspend the license or other authorization to practice of any person issued under this Act who has been certified by court order as not having paid restitution to a person under Section 8A-3.5 of the Illinois Public Aid Code or under Section 17-10.5 or 46-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012. A person whose license or other authorization to practice is suspended under this Section is prohibited from practicing until the restitution is made in full.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.135)

Sec. 3.135. Administrative Hearings.

(a) Administrative hearings shall be conducted by the Director or by an individual designated by the Director as Administrative Law Judge to conduct the hearing. On the basis of any such hearing, or upon default of the Respondent, the Director shall issue a Final Order specifying his findings, conclusions and decision. A copy of the Final Order shall be sent to the Respondent by certified mail or served personally upon the Respondent.

(b) The procedure governing hearings authorized by this Act shall be in accordance with the Department's rules governing administrative hearings.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.140)

Sec. 3.140. Violations; fines.

(a) The Department shall have the authority to impose fines on any licensed vehicle service provider, stretcher van provider, designated trauma center, Acute Injury Stabilization Center, resource hospital, associate hospital, or participating hospital.

(b) The Department shall adopt rules pursuant to this Act which establish a system of fines related to the type and level of violation or repeat violation, including, but not limited to:

(1) A fine not exceeding $10,000 for each violation which created a condition or occurrence presenting a substantial probability that death or serious harm to an individual will or did result therefrom; and

(2) A fine not exceeding $5,000 for each violation which creates or created a condition or occurrence which threatens the health, safety or welfare of an individual.

(c) A Notice of Intent to Impose Fine may be issued in conjunction with or in lieu of a Notice of Intent to Suspend, Revoke, Nonrenew or Deny, and shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 3.130(d) of this Act. All Hearings conducted pursuant to a Notice of Intent to Impose Fine shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 3.135 of this Act.

(d) All fines collected pursuant to this Section shall be deposited into the EMS Assistance Fund.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.145)

Sec. 3.145. Administrative Review Law. All final administrative decisions of the Department hereunder shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Review Law and the rules adopted pursuant thereto. The term "administrative decision" is defined as in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Decisions of the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board are not final administrative decisions of the Department, and are not subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.150)

Sec. 3.150. Immunity from civil liability.

(a) Any person, agency or governmental body certified, licensed or authorized pursuant to this Act or rules thereunder, who in good faith provides emergency or non-emergency medical services during a Department approved training course, in the normal course of conducting their duties, or in an emergency, shall not be civilly liable as a result of their acts or omissions in providing such services unless such acts or omissions, including the bypassing of nearby hospitals or medical facilities in accordance with the protocols developed pursuant to this Act, constitute willful and wanton misconduct.

(b) No person, including any private or governmental organization or institution that administers, sponsors, authorizes, supports, finances, educates or supervises the functions of emergency medical services personnel certified, licensed or authorized pursuant to this Act, including persons participating in a Department approved training program, shall be liable for any civil damages for any act or omission in connection with administration, sponsorship, authorization, support, finance, education or supervision of such emergency medical services personnel, where the act or omission occurs in connection with activities within the scope of this Act, unless the act or omission was the result of willful and wanton misconduct.

(c) Exemption from civil liability for emergency care is as provided in the Good Samaritan Act.

(d) No local agency, entity of State or local government, or other public or private organization, nor any officer, director, trustee, employee, consultant or agent of any such entity, which sponsors, authorizes, supports, finances, or supervises the training of persons in the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillators, or first aid in a course which complies with generally recognized standards shall be liable for damages in any civil action based on the training of such persons unless an act or omission during the course of instruction constitutes willful and wanton misconduct.

(e) No person who is certified to teach the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillators, or first aid and who teaches a course of instruction which complies with generally recognized standards for the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillators, or first aid shall be liable for damages in any civil action based on the acts or omissions of a person who received such instruction, unless an act or omission during the course of such instruction constitutes willful and wanton misconduct.

(f) No member or alternate of the State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board or a local System review board who in good faith exercises his responsibilities under this Act shall be liable for damages in any civil action based on such activities unless an act or omission during the course of such activities constitutes willful and wanton misconduct.

(g) No EMS Medical Director who in good faith exercises his responsibilities under this Act shall be liable for damages in any civil action based on such activities unless an act or omission during the course of such activities constitutes willful and wanton misconduct.

(h) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to create a cause of action or any civil liabilities.

(Source: P.A. 95-447, eff. 8-27-07.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.155)

Sec. 3.155. General provisions.

(a) Authority and responsibility for the EMS System shall be vested in the EMS Resource Hospital, through the EMS Medical Director or his designee.

(b) For an inter-hospital emergency or non-emergency medical transport, in which the physician from the sending hospital provides the EMS personnel with written medical orders, such written medical orders cannot exceed the scope of care which the EMS personnel are authorized to render pursuant to this Act.

(c) For an inter-hospital emergency or non-emergency medical transport of a patient who requires medical care beyond the scope of care which the EMS personnel are authorized to render pursuant to this Act, a qualified physician, nurse, perfusionist, or respiratory therapist familiar with the scope of care needed must accompany the patient and the transferring hospital and physician shall assume medical responsibility for that portion of the medical care.

(d) No emergency medical services vehicles or personnel from another State or nation may be utilized on a regular basis to pick up and transport patients within this State without first complying with this Act and all rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act.

(e) This Act shall not prevent emergency medical services vehicles or personnel from another State or nation from rendering requested assistance in this State in a disaster situation, or operating from a location outside the State and occasionally transporting patients into this State for needed medical care. Except as provided in Section 31 of this Act, this Act shall not provide immunity from liability for such activities.

(f) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this Section, no person or entity shall transport emergency or non-emergency patients by ambulance, SEMSV, or medical carrier without first complying with the provisions of this Act and all rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(g) Nothing in this Act or the rules adopted by the Department under this Act shall be construed to authorize any medical treatment to or transportation of any person who objects on religious grounds.

(h) Patients, individuals who accompany a patient, and emergency medical services personnel may not smoke while inside an ambulance or SEMSV. The Department of Public Health may impose a civil penalty on an individual who violates this subsection in the amount of $100.

(i) When a patient has been determined by EMS personnel to (1) have no immediate life-threatening injuries or illness, (2) not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, (3) have no immediate or obvious need for transport to an emergency department, and (4) have an immediate need for transport to an EMS System-approved mental health facility, the EMS personnel may contact Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communications Registered Nurse to request bypass or diversion of the closest emergency department, as outlined in paragraph (5) of subsection (c) of Section 3.20, and request transport to the closest or appropriate EMS System-approved mental health facility. In addition, EMS personnel may transport a patient to an EMS System-approved urgent care or immediate care facility that meets the proper criteria and is approved by Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communications Registered Nurse.

(Source: P.A. 102-623, eff. 8-27-21.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.160)

Sec. 3.160. Employer Responsibility.

(a) (Blank).

(a-5) No employer shall permit any employee to perform any services for which a license, certificate, or other authorization is required under this Act, unless the employer first makes a good faith attempt to verify that the employee possesses all necessary and valid licenses, certificates, and authorizations required under this Act.

(b) Any person or entity that employs or supervises a person's activities as a First Responder or Emergency Medical Dispatcher shall cooperate with the Department's efforts to monitor and enforce compliance by those individuals with the requirements of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-1469, eff. 1-1-11.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.165)

Sec. 3.165. Misrepresentation.

(a) No person shall hold himself or herself out to be or engage in the practice of an EMS Medical Director, EMS Administrative Director, EMS System Coordinator, EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, ECRN, PHRN, PHAPRN, PHPA, TNS, or LI without being licensed, certified, approved or otherwise authorized pursuant to this Act.

(b) A hospital or other entity which employs or utilizes an EMR, EMD, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or Paramedic in a manner which is outside the scope of his or her license shall not use the words "emergency medical responder", "EMR", "emergency medical technician", "EMT", "emergency medical technician-intermediate", "EMT-I", "advanced emergency medical technician", "A-EMT", or "Paramedic" in that person's job description or title, or in any other manner hold that person out to be so licensed.

(c) No provider or participant within an EMS System shall hold itself out as providing a type or level of service that has not been approved by that System's EMS Medical Director.

(Source: P.A. 100-1082, eff. 8-24-19.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.170)

Sec. 3.170. Falsification of Documents. No person shall fabricate any license or knowingly enter any false information on any application form, run sheet, record or other document required to be completed or submitted pursuant to this Act or any rule adopted pursuant to this Act, or knowingly submit any application form, run sheet, record or other document which contains false information.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.175)

Sec. 3.175. Criminal Penalties. Any person who violates Sections 3.155(d) or (f), 3.160, 3.165 or 3.170 of this Act or any rule promulgated thereto, is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 96-1469, eff. 1-1-11.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.180)

Sec. 3.180. Injunctions. Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any other remedy, the Director may, through the Attorney General, seek an injunction:

(a) To restrain or prevent any person or entity from functioning, practicing or operating without a license, certification, classification, approval, permit, designation or authorization required by this Act;

(b) To restrain or prevent any person, institution or governmental unit from representing itself to be a trauma center after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 without designation as such pursuant to this Act;

(c) To restrain or prevent any hospital or other entity which employs or utilizes an EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or Paramedic in a manner which is outside the scope of his or her license from representing that person to be an EMR, EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or Paramedic.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.185)

Sec. 3.185. Waiver of Standards. In accordance with protocols and procedures which it established by rules adopted pursuant to this Act, the Department may grant a waiver to any provision of this Act or rule adopted pursuant to this Act for a specified period of time determined appropriate by the Department.

Any entity may apply in writing to the Department for a waiver to specific requirements or standards for which it considers compliance to be a hardship. The Department may grant a waiver on such applications when it can be demonstrated that there will be no reduction in standards of medical care as determined by the EMS Medical Director or the Department.

The Department shall establish a specific mechanism for granting hardship waivers to the Act's licensure fee requirements.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.190)

Sec. 3.190. Emergency Department Classifications. The Department shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(a) Establish criteria for classifying the emergency departments of hospitals within the State as Comprehensive, Basic, or Standby. In establishing such criteria, the Department may consult with the Illinois Hospital Licensing Board and incorporate by reference all or part of existing standards adopted as rules pursuant to the Hospital Licensing Act or Emergency Medical Treatment Act;

(b) Classify the emergency departments of hospitals within the State in accordance with this Section;

(c) Annually publish, and distribute to all EMS Systems, a list reflecting the classification of all emergency departments.

For the purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section, long-term acute care hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals, as defined under the Hospital Emergency Service Act, are not required to provide hospital emergency services. Long-term acute care hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals with no emergency department shall be classified as not available.

(Source: P.A. 97-667, eff. 1-13-12; 98-463, eff. 8-16-13; 98-683, eff. 6-30-14.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.195)

Sec. 3.195. Data Collection and Evaluation.

(a) The Department shall develop and administer an emergency medical services data collection system. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to empower the Department to specify the form of internal recordkeeping.

(b) The confidentiality of patient records shall be maintained in accordance with State and federal regulations on confidentiality of records.

(c) The Department shall develop parameters by which the availability and quality of emergency medical care can be evaluated to assure a reasonable standard of performance by individuals and organizations providing such services.

(d) EMS Medical Directors shall have the authority to require System participants to provide data to the System in addition to that required by the Department. Participants shall not be required to submit financial information that is proprietary in nature and unrelated to the scope or purposes of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.200)

Sec. 3.200. State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

(a) There shall be established within the Department of Public Health a State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, which shall serve as an advisory body to the Department on matters related to this Act.

(b) Membership of the Council shall include one representative from each EMS Region, to be appointed by each region's EMS Regional Advisory Committee. The Governor shall appoint additional members to the Council as necessary to insure that the Council includes one representative from each of the following categories:

(1) EMS Medical Director,

(2) Trauma Center Medical Director,

(3) Licensed, practicing physician with regular and frequent involvement in the provision of emergency care,

(4) Licensed, practicing physician with special expertise in the surgical care of the trauma patient,

(5) EMS System Coordinator,

(6) TNS,

(7) Paramedic,

(7.5) A-EMT,

(8) EMT-I,

(9) EMT,

(10) Private vehicle service provider,

(11) Law enforcement officer,

(12) Chief of a public vehicle service provider,

(13) Statewide firefighters' union member affiliated with a vehicle service provider,

(14) Administrative representative from a fire department vehicle service provider in a municipality with a population of over 2 million people,

(15) Administrative representative from a Resource Hospital or EMS System Administrative Director, and

(16) Representative from a pediatric critical care center.

(c) Members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. All appointees shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(d) The Council shall be provided a 90-day period in which to review and comment, in consultation with the subcommittee to which the rules are relevant, upon all rules proposed by the Department pursuant to this Act, except for rules adopted pursuant to Section 3.190(a) of this Act, rules submitted to the State Trauma Advisory Council and emergency rules adopted pursuant to Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The 90-day review and comment period may commence upon the Department's submission of the proposed rules to the individual Council members, if the Council is not meeting at the time the proposed rules are ready for Council review. Any non-emergency rules adopted prior to the Council's 90-day review and comment period shall be null and void. If the Council fails to advise the Department within its 90-day review and comment period, the rule shall be considered acted upon.

(e) Council members shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred during the performance of their duties under this Section.

(f) The Department shall provide administrative support to the Council for the preparation of the agenda and minutes for Council meetings and distribution of proposed rules to Council members.

(g) The Council shall act pursuant to bylaws which it adopts, which shall include the annual election of a Chair and Vice-Chair.

(h) The Director or his designee shall be present at all Council meetings.

(i) Nothing in this Section shall preclude the Council from reviewing and commenting on proposed rules which fall under the purview of the State Trauma Advisory Council.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.205)

Sec. 3.205. State Trauma Advisory Council.

(a) There shall be established within the Department of Public Health a State Trauma Advisory Council, which shall serve as an advisory body to the Department on matters related to trauma care and trauma centers.

(b) Membership of the Council shall include one representative from each Regional Trauma Advisory Committee, to be appointed by each Committee. The Governor shall appoint the following additional members:

(1) An EMS Medical Director,

(2) A trauma center medical director,

(3) A trauma surgeon,

(4) A trauma nurse coordinator,

(5) A representative from a private vehicle service provider,

(6) A representative from a public vehicle service provider,

(7) A member of the State EMS Advisory Council; and

(8) A burn care medical representative.

The Governor may also appoint, as an additional member of the Council, a neurosurgeon.

(c) Members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. All appointees shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(d) The Council shall be provided a 90-day period in which to review and comment upon all rules proposed by the Department pursuant to this Act concerning trauma care, except for emergency rules adopted pursuant to Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The 90-day review and comment period may commence upon the Department's submission of the proposed rules to the individual Council members, if the Council is not meeting at the time the proposed rules are ready for Council review. Any non-emergency rules adopted prior to the Council's 90-day review and comment period shall be null and void. If the Council fails to advise the Department within its 90-day review and comment period, the rule shall be considered acted upon;

(e) Council members shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred during the performance of their duties under this Section.

(f) The Department shall provide administrative support to the Council for the preparation of the agenda and minutes for Council meetings and distribution of proposed rules to Council members.

(g) The Council shall act pursuant to bylaws which it adopts, which shall include the annual election of a Chair and Vice-Chair.

(h) The Director or his designee shall be present at all Council meetings.

(i) Nothing in this Section shall preclude the Council from reviewing and commenting on proposed rules which fall under the purview of the State EMS Advisory Council.

(Source: P.A. 103-1013, eff. 8-9-24.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.210)

Sec. 3.210. EMS Medical Consultant. If the Chief of the Department's Division of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety is not a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, with extensive emergency medical services experience, and certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine, then the Director shall appoint such a physician to serve as EMS Medical Consultant to the Division Chief.

(Source: P.A. 98-973, eff. 8-15-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.215)

Sec. 3.215. Grants. The Department has the power to make grants to EMS Regions, for disbursement in accordance with protocols established in the EMS Region Plans, from moneys deposited into the EMS Assistance Fund and funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department, other than funds appropriated to the Illinois Department of Transportation for implementation of the Highway Safety Program.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.220)

Sec. 3.220. EMS Assistance Fund.

(a) There is hereby created an "EMS Assistance Fund" within the State treasury, for the purpose of receiving fines and fees collected by the Illinois Department of Public Health pursuant to this Act.

(b) (Blank).

(b-5) All licensing, testing, and certification fees authorized by this Act, excluding ambulance licensure fees, within this fund shall be used by the Department for administration, oversight, and enforcement of activities authorized under this Act.

(c) All other moneys within this fund shall be distributed by the Department to the EMS Regions for disbursement in accordance with protocols established in the EMS Region Plans, for the purposes of organization, development and improvement of Emergency Medical Services Systems, including but not limited to training of personnel and acquisition, modification and maintenance of necessary supplies, equipment and vehicles.

(d) All fees and fines collected pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the EMS Assistance Fund.

(Source: P.A. 103-363, eff. 7-28-23.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.225)

Sec. 3.225. Trauma Center Fund.

(a) The Department shall distribute 97.5% of 50% of the moneys deposited into the Trauma Center Fund, a special fund in the State Treasury, to Illinois hospitals that are designated as trauma centers. The payments to those hospitals shall be in addition to any other payments paid and shall be in an amount calculated under paragraph (b) of this Section.

(b) Trauma payment calculation.

(1) The Department shall implement an accounting system to ensure that the moneys in the fund are distributed.

(2) The moneys in the fund shall be allocated proportionately to each EMS region so that the EMS region receives the moneys collected from within its region for violations of laws or ordinances regulating the movement of traffic. Under no circumstance shall money collected within one EMS region be redirected to another EMS region.

(3) The formula for distribution to individual hospitals shall be based on factors identified in rules adopted by the Department pursuant to this Act. No moneys may be distributed to a trauma center located outside of the State.

(4) If money collected from an EMS region cannot be distributed to any trauma center in that EMS region because the trauma center is located outside of the State, then the Department shall distribute the money to hospitals in the EMS region for the provision of emergency services.

(c) The Department may retain 2.5% of 50% of the moneys in the Trauma Center Fund to defray the cost of administering the distributions.

(Source: P.A. 97-209, eff. 7-28-11.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.226)

Sec. 3.226. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 103-149, eff. 1-1-24. Repealed by P.A. 103-363, eff. 7-28-23.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.230)

Sec. 3.230. Abuse and Neglect Reporting; Domestic Violence Referrals.

(a) All persons licensed, certified or approved under this Act shall report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in accordance with the requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(b) All persons licensed, certified or approved under this Act shall offer to a person suspected to be a victim of abuse immediate and adequate information regarding services available to victims of abuse, in accordance with Section 401 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.233)

Sec. 3.233. Opioid overdose reporting.

(a) In this Section:

"Covered vehicle service provider" means a licensed vehicle service provider that is a municipality with a population of 1,000,000 or greater.

"Covered vehicle service provider personnel" means individuals licensed by the Department as an EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, or EMT-P who are employed by a covered vehicle service provider.

"Opioid" means any narcotic containing opium or one or more of its natural or synthetic derivatives.

"Overdose" means a physiological event that results in a life-threatening emergency to an individual who ingested, inhaled, injected, or otherwise bodily absorbed an opioid.

(b) Covered vehicle service provider personnel who treat and either release or transport to a health care facility an individual experiencing a suspected or an actual overdose shall document in the patient's care report the information specified in subsection (c) within 24 hours of the initial reporting of the incident.

(c) A patient care report of an overdose made under this Section shall include:

(1) the date and time of the overdose;

(2) the location in latitude and longitude, to no more than 4 decimal places, where the overdose victim was initially encountered by the covered vehicle service provider personnel;

(3) whether one or more doses of an opioid overdose reversal drug were administered; and

(4) whether the overdose was fatal or nonfatal when the overdose victim was initially encountered by the covered vehicle service provider personnel and during the transportation of the victim to a health care facility.

(d) Upon receipt of a patient care report that documents an overdose, a covered vehicle service provider shall report the information listed under subsection (c) to:

(i) the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Overdose Detection Mapping Application; or

(ii) any similar information technology platform with secure access operated by the federal government or a unit of state or local government, as determined by the covered vehicle service provider.

(e) Overdose information reported by a covered vehicle service provider under this Section shall not be used in an opioid use-related criminal investigation or prosecution of the individual who was treated by the covered vehicle service provider personnel for experiencing the suspected or actual overdose.

(f) Covered vehicle service providers or covered vehicle service provider personnel that in good faith make a report under this Section shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report.

(Source: P.A. 101-320, eff. 8-9-19; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.235)

Sec. 3.235. Choke-Saving Methods Act; Effect. Nothing in this Act shall impair or diminish any right, privilege or duty established in the Choke-Saving Methods Act.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.240)

Sec. 3.240. Coal Mine Medical Emergencies Act; Conflicts. In the event of conflict between this Act and the Coal Mine Medical Emergencies Act, the provisions of the Coal Mine Medical Emergencies Act shall govern.

(Source: P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.245)

Sec. 3.245. Adoption of Rules by the Department. The Department shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this Act, in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

With the exception of emergency rules adopted pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act or Section 3.190 of this Act, the Department shall submit all proposed rules to the State Emergency Medical Services Council or State Trauma Advisory Council for a 90-day review and comment period prior to adoption, as specified in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.250)

Sec. 3.250. Application of Administrative Procedure Act. The provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act are hereby expressly adopted and shall apply to all administrative rules and procedures of the Department of Public Health under this Act, except that in case of conflict between the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and this Act the provisions of this Act shall control, and except that Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act relating to procedures for rule-making does not apply to the adoption of any rule required by federal law in connection with which the Department is precluded by law from exercising any discretion.

(Source: P.A. 92-651, eff. 7-11-02.)

(210 ILCS 50/3.255)

Sec. 3.255. Emergency Medical Disaster Plan. The Department shall develop and implement an Emergency Medical Disaster Plan to assist emergency medical services personnel and health care facilities in working together in a collaborative way and to provide support in situations where local medical resources are overwhelmed, including but not limited to public health emergencies, as that term is defined in Section 4 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. As part of the plan, the Department may designate lead hospitals in each Emergency Medical Services region established under this Act and may foster the creation and coordination of volunteer medical response teams that can be deployed to assist when a locality's capacity is overwhelmed. In developing an Emergency Medical Disaster Plan, the Department shall collaborate with the entities listed in Sections 2310-50.5 and 2310-620 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 93-829, eff. 7-28-04.)

(210 ILCS 50/4) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504)

Sec. 4. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.01) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.01)

Sec. 4.01. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.02) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.02)

Sec. 4.02. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.03) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.03)

Sec. 4.03. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.04) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.04)

Sec. 4.04. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.05) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.05)

Sec. 4.05. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.06) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.06)

Sec. 4.06. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.07) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.07)

Sec. 4.07. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.08) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.08)

Sec. 4.08. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.09) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.09)

Sec. 4.09. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.10) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.10)

Sec. 4.10. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.11) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.11)

Sec. 4.11. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.12) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.12)

Sec. 4.12. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.13) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.13)

Sec. 4.13. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.14) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.14)

Sec. 4.14. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.15) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.15)

Sec. 4.15. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.16) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.16)

Sec. 4.16. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.17) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.17)

Sec. 4.17. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.18) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.18)

Sec. 4.18. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.19) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.19)

Sec. 4.19. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.20) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.20)

Sec. 4.20. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.21) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.21)

Sec. 4.21. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.21a) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.21a)

Sec. 4.21a. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.22) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.22)

Sec. 4.22. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.23) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.23)

Sec. 4.23. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.24) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.24)

Sec. 4.24. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.25) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.25)

Sec. 4.25. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.26) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.26)

Sec. 4.26. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.27) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.27)

Sec. 4.27. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.28) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.28)

Sec. 4.28. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.29) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.29)

Sec. 4.29. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/4.30) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5504.30)

Sec. 4.30. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/5) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5505)

Sec. 5. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-45. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/6) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5506)

Sec. 6. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/7) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5507)

Sec. 7. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/7.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5507.1)

Sec. 7.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/8) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5508)

Sec. 8. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/9) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5509)

Sec. 9. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/10) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5510)

Sec. 10. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-564, eff. 1-1-95. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/10.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5510.1)

Sec. 10.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/10.2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5510.2)

Sec. 10.2. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/10.3) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5510.3)

Sec. 10.3. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/11) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5511)

Sec. 11. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/11.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5511.1)

Sec. 11.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/12) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5512)

Sec. 12. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/13) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5513)

Sec. 13. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/13.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5513.1)

Sec. 13.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/13.2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5513.2)

Sec. 13.2. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/13.3) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5513.3)

Sec. 13.3. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/14) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5514)

Sec. 14. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/14.1)

Sec. 14.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 89-105. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95; re-repealed by P.A. 89-626, eff. 8-9-96.)

(210 ILCS 50/15) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5515)

Sec. 15. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/16) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5516)

Sec. 16. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-45. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/17) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5517)

Sec. 17. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/18) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5518)

Sec. 18. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/19) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5519)

Sec. 19. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/20) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5520)

Sec. 20. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/21) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5521)

Sec. 21. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/22) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5522)

Sec. 22. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/23) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5523)

Sec. 23. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-45. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/24) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5524)

Sec. 24. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/25) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5525)

Sec. 25. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/26) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5526)

Sec. 26. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/27) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5527)

Sec. 27. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/27.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5527.1)

Sec. 27.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/27.2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5527.2)

Sec. 27.2. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/28) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5528)

Sec. 28. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/29) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5529)

Sec. 29. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/29.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5529.1)

Sec. 29.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/30) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5530)

Sec. 30. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/31) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5531)

Sec. 31. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/32) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 5532)

Sec. 32. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-1. Repealed by P.A. 89-177, eff. 7-19-95.)

(210 ILCS 50/32.5)

Sec. 32.5. Freestanding Emergency Center.

(a) The Department shall issue an annual Freestanding Emergency Center (FEC) license to any facility that has received a permit from the Health Facilities and Services Review Board to establish a Freestanding Emergency Center by January 1, 2015, and:

(1) is located: (A) in a municipality with a population of 50,000 or fewer inhabitants; (B) within 50 miles of the hospital that owns or controls the FEC; and (C) within 50 miles of the Resource Hospital affiliated with the FEC as part of the EMS System;

(2) is wholly owned or controlled by an Associate or Resource Hospital, but is not a part of the hospital's physical plant;

(3) meets the standards for licensed FECs, adopted by rule of the Department, including, but not limited to:

(A) facility design, specification, operation, and maintenance standards;

(B) equipment standards; and

(C) the number and qualifications of emergency medical personnel and other staff, which must include at least one board certified emergency physician present at the FEC 24 hours per day.

(4) limits its participation in the EMS System strictly to receiving a limited number of patients by ambulance: (A) according to the FEC's 24-hour capabilities; (B) according to protocols developed by the Resource Hospital within the FEC's designated EMS System; and (C) as pre-approved by both the EMS Medical Director and the Department;

(5) provides comprehensive emergency treatment services, as defined in the rules adopted by the Department pursuant to the Hospital Licensing Act, 24 hours per day, on an outpatient basis;

(6) provides an ambulance and maintains on site ambulance services staffed with paramedics 24 hours per day;

(7) (blank);

(8) complies with all State and federal patient rights provisions, including, but not limited to, the Emergency Medical Treatment Act and the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act;

(9) maintains a communications system that is fully integrated with its Resource Hospital within the FEC's designated EMS System;

(10) reports to the Department any patient transfers from the FEC to a hospital within 48 hours of the transfer plus any other data determined to be relevant by the Department;

(11) submits to the Department, on a quarterly basis, the FEC's morbidity and mortality rates for patients treated at the FEC and other data determined to be relevant by the Department;

(12) does not describe itself or hold itself out to the general public as a full service hospital or hospital emergency department in its advertising or marketing activities;

(13) complies with any other rules adopted by the Department under this Act that relate to FECs;

(14) passes the Department's site inspection for compliance with the FEC requirements of this Act;

(15) submits a copy of the permit issued by the Health Facilities and Services Review Board indicating that the facility has complied with the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act with respect to the health services to be provided at the facility;

(16) submits an application for designation as an FEC in a manner and form prescribed by the Department by rule; and

(17) pays the annual license fee as determined by the Department by rule.

(a-5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Department may issue an annual FEC license to a facility that is located in a county that does not have a licensed general acute care hospital if the facility's application for a permit from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board has been deemed complete by the Department of Public Health by January 1, 2014 and if the facility complies with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (1) through (17) of subsection (a).

(a-10) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Department may issue an annual FEC license to a facility if the facility has, by January 1, 2014, filed a letter of intent to establish an FEC and if the facility complies with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (1) through (17) of subsection (a).

(a-15) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Department shall issue an annual FEC license to a facility if the facility: (i) discontinues operation as a hospital within 180 days after December 4, 2015 (the effective date of Public Act 99-490) with a Health Facilities and Services Review Board project number of E-017-15; (ii) has an application for a permit to establish an FEC from the Health Facilities and Services Review Board that is deemed complete by January 1, 2017; and (iii) complies with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (1) through (17) of subsection (a) of this Section.

(a-20) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Department shall issue an annual FEC license to a facility if:

(1) the facility is a hospital that has discontinued inpatient hospital services;

(2) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has approved the conversion to an FEC as a project subject to the hospital's transformation under subsection (d-5) of Section 14-12 of the Illinois Public Aid Code;

(3) the facility complies with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (1) through (17), provided however that the FEC may be located in a municipality with a population greater than 50,000 inhabitants and shall not be subject to the requirements of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act that are applicable to the conversion to an FEC if the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has approved the conversion to an FEC as a project subject to the hospital's transformation under subsection (d-5) of Section 14-12 of the Illinois Public Aid Code; and

(4) the facility is located at the same physical location where the facility served as a hospital.

(b) The Department shall:

(1) annually inspect facilities of initial FEC applicants and licensed FECs, and issue annual licenses to or annually relicense FECs that satisfy the Department's licensure requirements as set forth in subsection (a);

(2) suspend, revoke, refuse to issue, or refuse to renew the license of any FEC, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, when the Department finds that the FEC has failed to comply with the standards and requirements of the Act or rules adopted by the Department under the Act;

(3) issue an Emergency Suspension Order for any FEC when the Director or his or her designee has determined that the continued operation of the FEC poses an immediate and serious danger to the public health, safety, and welfare. An opportunity for a hearing shall be promptly initiated after an Emergency Suspension Order has been issued; and

(4) adopt rules as needed to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-581, eff. 3-12-18; 101-650, eff. 7-7-20.)

(210 ILCS 50/33)

Sec. 33. Continuation of Act; validation.

(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) When the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act was originally enacted by Public Act 81-1518, effective December 15, 1980, it included a Section 25, which repealed the Act on January 1, 1986. This Section appeared in the Laws of Illinois, but was not included in Illinois revised statutes.

(2) Public Act 84-1064, effective November 27, 1985, added a new Section 25, relating to violations and penalties; it did not explicitly refer to or strike out the existing Section 25. The new Section 25 is the only Section 25 to appear in subsequent publications of the Illinois Revised Statutes.

(3) The Statute on Statutes sets forth general rules on the repeal of statutes and the construction of multiple amendments, but Section 1 of that Act also states that these rules will not be observed when the result would be "inconsistent with the manifest intent of the General Assembly or repugnant to the context of the statute".

(4) The General Assembly later amended the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act in Public Act 84-1404, effective September 18, 1986, which contained important provisions for establishing trauma centers throughout the State. The Act has also been amended by every subsequent General Assembly, and has been administered without interruption by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

(5) This history of continuing amendments to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act, including the addition of important new programs, clearly manifests the intention of the General Assembly to remove the old Section 25 repealer and have the Act continue in effect beyond January 1, 1986.

(6) The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act contains a number of programs that are essential to the continuing health and safety of the people of this State. Any construction of Section 25 that results in the repeal of the Act on January 1, 1986 would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the General Assembly and repugnant to the context of the statute, and would create serious potential risks to the health and safety of the people of Illinois.

(b) It is hereby declared to have been the intent of the General Assembly, in enacting Public Act 84-1064, that the old Section 25 be replaced by the new Section 25, and that the Act therefore not be subject to repeal on January 1, 1986.

(c) The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act shall be deemed to have been in continuous effect since its enactment, and it shall continue to be in effect henceforward until it is otherwise lawfully repealed. All previously enacted amendments to the Act taking effect on or after January 1, 1986, are hereby validated.

(d) All actions taken in reliance on or pursuant to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act by the Illinois Department of Public Health or any other person or entity are hereby validated.

(e) In order to ensure the continuing effectiveness of this Act, it is set forth in full and re-enacted by this amendatory Act of 1993. This re-enactment is intended as a continuation of the Act. It is not intended to supersede any amendment to the Act that is enacted by the 88th General Assembly.

(f) This Act applies to all claims, civil actions, and proceedings pending on or filed on or before the effective date of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 88-1.)