PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover community-based pediatric palliative care from a trained interdisciplinary team. Amends the Pediatric Palliative Care Act. Repeals a provision that made the Act inoperative on and after July 1, 2012. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop a pediatric palliative care program (rather than a pediatric palliative care pilot program) under which a qualifying child may receive community-based pediatric palliative care from a trained interdisciplinary team and may also choose to continue to pursue aggressive curative or disease-directed treatments for a serious (rather than a potentially life-limiting) illness under the benefits available under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Defines a qualifying child to be a person under the age of 19 (rather than 18) who is enrolled in the medical assistance program and suffers from a serious illness (rather than a potentially life-limiting medical condition). Contains provisions concerning a State Plan amendment; prohibited Department rules; pediatric interdisciplinary teams; reimbursable services offered under the pediatric palliative care program; standards for and technical assistance to managed care organizations; reporting requirements; criteria a case manager must meet for demonstrated expertise in pediatric palliative care; and other matters.