PENCD-ART 6-OCCUPATION DISEASE

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that any active fireman who has completed 7 or more years of service and is unable to perform his or her duties in the Fire Department by reason of a contagious staph infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resulting from his or her service as a fireman, shall be entitled to receive an occupational disease disability benefit during any period of such disability for which he or she does not have a right to receive salary. Provides that any fireman who enters service shall be examined by one or more practicing physicians appointed by the Board, and if that examination discloses the existence of a contagious staph infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), then the fireman shall not be entitled to receive an occupational disease disability benefit unless and until a subsequent examination reveals no such contagious staph infection, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.