EQUITY IN HEALTH CARE ACT

Creates the Equity and Representation in Health Care Act. Contains the findings of the General Assembly. Creates the Equity and Representation in Health Care Workforce Repayment Program and the Equity and Representation in Health Care Workforce Scholarship Program to be administered by the Department of Public Health. Provides that a health care professional, medical facility, or behavioral health provider may apply to the Department for loan repayment assistance under the Program. Provides that, in order to be eligible for loan repayment under the Act, the health care professional or behavioral health provider shall comply with specified requirements. Requires the Department to submit an annual report with specified requirements to the General Assembly and the Governor. Contains provisions regarding the adoption of rules by the Department. Contains other provisions. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that loan repayment and scholarship program funds are subject to appropriation. Provides that an individual who is awarded a loan repayment authorized under the Act shall not receive concurrent loan repayments through any other Illinois or federal loan repayment program. Requires the Department of Public Health to share information about the application process for a scholarship or loan repayment under the Act prominently on the Department's website, as well as with specified Illinois-based health care training programs and institutions of higher education. Requires recipients who fail to meet their obligations to pay to the Department a sum of at least 1.5 times plus 7% interest annually (rather than a sum equal to) the amount of the received moneys. Contains provisions for waiver or deferment of a recipient's obligation under the Act. Provides that the Act is effective January 1, 2023. Makes other changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that a nurse is a "health care professional". Removes language providing that a certified nurse midwife is a "health care professional". Defines "nurse" as a person who is licensed as a licensed practical nurse or as a registered nurse under the Nurse Practice Act.