Healthcare

Amends the School Code. In provisions requiring the State Board of Education to develop model school district procedures to facilitate the implementation of mental health screenings for students, provides that the procedures shall include the option for parents to opt in (rather than opt out) of mental health screenings for their children. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning mental health screenings, removes the requirement that the State Board of Education report its work and make available resource materials, including model procedures and guidance informed by a phased approach to implementing universal mental health screening in schools, on or before September 1, 2026. Also removes the requirement that school districts offer, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, mental health screenings to students in grade 3 through grade 12. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Prior Authorization Reform Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a health insurance issuer, the fee-for-service medical assistance program, and a Medicaid managed care organization may not require prior authorization for the following prescription drug types and their therapeutic equivalents approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration: human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis medication or human immunodeficiency virus treatment medication. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to require Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse at no less than 100% of the Medical Assistance program's Durable Medical Equipment fee schedule for the same service or item of durable medical equipment, complex rehab technology, prosthetics, orthotics, or supplies. Provides that the reimbursement requirement shall also apply to a Medicaid managed care organization's subcontractors and third-party administrators. Provides that the Department has the authority to implement the reimbursement requirement on and after July 1, 2025 and prior to the completion of any regulatory process undertaken in order to effect such change. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that the amendatory provisions may be referred to as the Health Care Sanctity and Privacy Law. Requires hospitals to adopt and implement a policy regarding interactions with law enforcement agents. Sets forth minimum requirements for the policy, including designating a contact person or persons to be notified of all law enforcement presence or information requests and establishing the following procedures: procedures to respond to such requests; procedures to verify the identity and authority of any law enforcement agent involved in civil immigration activities at a hospital site; procedures for designating space for law enforcement agents to remain and wait at a hospital; procedures for patients to request an amendment to their medical records; and procedures concerning the release of information to law enforcement agents. Requires the policy to be submitted to the Department of Public Health. Establishes a fine for hospitals that fail to submit the policy. Sets forth provisions concerning complaints of noncompliance with the provisions; holding hospital personnel harmless from any civil, criminal, or other liability that may arise as a result of their reasonable compliance with the amendatory provisions; obligations as a mandated reporter; and conflicts with federal law. Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act to require compliance with the provisions of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Urges the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Pritzker Administration to delay cuts to Direct Service Professional (DSP) service hours set to begin January 1,2026, until such time as the State is prepared to implement the "Zero Hour" Staffing Model, to protect the services depended on by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Creates the Caring for Caregivers Act. Provides that a taxpayer who is a family caregiver and who incurs eligible expenditures during the taxable year for the care and support of an eligible family member may apply to the Department of Revenue for an income tax credit. Provides that the credit shall be equal to 50% of the eligible expenditures incurred during the taxable year by the family caregiver for the care and support of an eligible family member, subject to certain specified limitations. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. In provisions concerning the dispensation of contraceptives, changes the contraceptives dispensed to contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives). Provides that, if contraceptives, including emergency contraception, are dispensed or delivered to an adult individual on behalf of a minor, a pharmacist shall require positive identification of the adult individual if the individual is not known to the pharmacist or pharmacy employees. Provides that the amendatory provisions shall not apply if positive identification is not available and a pharmacist exercising professional judgment determines that a delay in dispensing the contraceptives may be detrimental to a patient.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In a provision concerning coverage of certain cancer screenings, adds having a high level of CA-125, as indicated by a blood test screening, to the definition of "at risk for ovarian cancer". Provides that "surveillance tests for ovarian cancer" means all medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer, including, but not limited to, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and CA-125 blood test screenings (instead of an annual screening using (i) CA-125 serum tumor marker testing, (ii) transvaginal ultrasound, (iii) pelvic examination). Effective January 1, 2028.