HOSPITALS-IMPOVERISHED AREAS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that, on or after July 1, 2020, any hospital system consisting of 3 or more hospitals with combined revenues that exceed $500,000,000 that closes a hospital that serves an impoverished area shall repay the specified hospital access payments received by the closing hospital in the 24 months prior to closing. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall determine the amount to be repaid and send a notice to the closing hospital within 14 days after notification of closing to the Department. Requires that the funds be divided evenly and paid to the other safety net hospitals in the closing hospital's 15-mile radius by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and used by the remaining safety net hospitals to assist in maintaining the local area health care needs. Defines "impoverished area". Provides for repeal of the provisions on January 1, 2022. Effective immediately.