HOSPITAL LICENSURE FUND

Amends the State Finance Act and the Hospital Licensing Act. Creates the Hospital Licensure Fund, a special fund created in the State treasury. Establishes a $30 license fee per bed for hospitals applying for a license, provided that a lesser amount may be established by administrative rule of the Department of Public Health, if the Department, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, determines that $30 per bed would exceed the limitations on health care-related taxes imposed by federal law that, if violated, would result in reductions to the amount of federal financial participation received by the State for Medicaid expenditures. Further provides that the Department shall deposit all fees and fines collected in relation to the licensure of hospitals into the Hospital Licensure Fund for the purpose of providing programs, information, or assistance designed to improve patient safety and quality in hospitals. Effective immediately.