Rep. Thaddeus Jones

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to provide that an individual or group health care service plan contract that is issued, amended, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022 shall not require prior authorization for biomarker testing for an insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer, nor shall prior authorization be required for biomarker testing of cancer progression or recurrence in the insured with advanced or metastatic stage 3 or 4 cancer. Defines "biomarker testing". House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 5 ILCS 375/6.11 55 ILCS 5/5-1069.3 65 ILCS 5/10-4-2.3 105 ILCS 5/10-22.3f 215 ILCS 125/5-3 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 1411.2 215 ILCS 130/4003 from Ch. 73, par. 1504-3 215 ILCS 165/10 from Ch. 32, par. 604 305 ILCS 5/5-16.8 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022 shall include coverage for biomarker testing. Provides that biomarker testing shall be covered and conducted in an efficient manner to provide the most complete range of results to the patient's health care provider without requiring multiple biopsies, biospecimen samples, or other delays or disruptions in patient care. Provides that biomarker testing must be covered for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an enrollee's disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence. Provides that when coverage of biomarker testing for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing monitoring of any medical condition is restricted for use by health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, or health maintenance organizations, the patient and prescribing practitioner shall have access to a clear, readily accessible, and convenient processes to request an exception, and the process shall be made readily accessible on the insurer's website. Defines "biomarker" and "biomarker testing". Makes conforming changes in the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code.

Amends the Election Code. Provides for the election of the Chicago Board of Education for the 2023 and 2027 consolidated primary elections only. Provides that no later than June 30, 2029, the General Assembly must review and revise the election of members of the Chicago Board of Education and if the General Assembly has not reauthorized the election of members of the Chicago Board of Education by June 30, 2029, then, on May 13, 2031, the terms of all members elected in 2027 shall end, and a new Chicago Board of Education consisting of 7 members shall be appointed by the Mayor. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that a person shall be a U.S. citizen and registered voter and shall have been a resident of the city and the electoral district for at least one year immediately preceding his or her election. Sets forth provisions concerning nominating petitions and ballots. Sets forth provisions providing that the City of Chicago shall be subdivided into 20 electoral districts by the General Assembly for seats on the Chicago Board of Education. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/34-4.2 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/34-18.67 new 105 ILCS 5/34-18.68 new 105 ILCS 5/34-18.69 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Election Code to provide for the election of the Chicago Board of Education in accordance with specified procedures. Amends the School Code. Provides, on January 15, 2025, for the abolition of the terms of all members of the Chicago Board of Education appointed under specified provisions. Provides for a combination of appointed and elected members and the eventual election of all members. Provides for qualifications of members. Changes eligibility requirements for membership. Specifies the form of nominating petitions for candidates for membership. Changes provisions regarding the appointment of the Inspector General. Adds provisions regarding the creation of districts for election of members and redistricting. Provides that the Chicago Board of Education shall commission an independent review and report of the district's finances. Creates the Chicago Board of Education Diversity Advisory Board and the Chicago Board of Education Non-Citizen Advisory Board. Prohibits the Chicago Board of Education from approving any school closings, consolidations, or phase-outs prior to January 15, 2025. Provides that the Chicago Board of Education may adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of the amendatory Act. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that the terms of specified appointed members end on January 14, 2027 (currently, 2025).

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Changes the filing due date applicable to actuarial opinions as to the sufficiency of the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for group workers' compensation pools from June 1 to March 1 of each year. In provisions concerning the bond required of insurance producers, changes a reference from "agent contact" to "agency contract". Provides that the corporate governance annual disclosure must attest to the best of the signatory's belief and knowledge that the insurer has implemented the corporate governance practices (rather than the corporate governance practices required by the provisions concerning disclosure requirements) and that a copy of the disclosure has been provided to the insurer's board of directors or the appropriate committee thereof. Provides that an insurer must ensure that it has complied with the financial requirements and treatment limitations applicable to mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition benefits prior to policy issuance. Provides that pre-licensing course of study hours required to be completed in a classroom setting in order to obtain an insurance producer license may also be completed in a webinar setting. Provides that 3 hours of classroom ethics instruction required for renewal of a public adjuster license may also be completed by webinar. Defines "webinar". Repeals an Article concerning public insurance adjusters and registered firms. Effective immediately, except that provisions concerning the filing due date applicable to actuarial opinions take effect January 1, 2022.

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning legislative purpose. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 210 ILCS 9/5 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 1405/1405-40 new 215 ILCS 105/1.1 from Ch. 73, par. 1301.1 215 ILCS 105/3 from Ch. 73, par. 1303 215 ILCS 105/15 215 ILCS 105/16 new 215 ILCS 105/17 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act to provide that the Plan shall discontinue as the alternative market for health insurance for certain Illinois residents and discontinue as the alternative mechanism not later than January 1, 2022. Provides that not later than 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Board shall develop a plan of rehabilitation or liquidation and dissolution to wind down the affairs of the Plan. Provides that upon the Director of Insurance's approval of the plan of rehabilitation or liquidation and dissolution, the Director shall thereafter report to the Attorney General, whose duty it shall be to file a complaint for rehabilitation or liquidation of the Plan. Provides that upon entry of a final Order of Rehabilitation or Liquidation and the appointment of the Director as statutory rehabilitator or liquidator, the Director shall begin to administer and oversee the wind-down and dissolution of the Plan. Provides that new enrollment and policy renewals in the Plan are discontinued on December 31, 2021. Sets forth provisions concerning cessation of operations of the Plan. Amends the Department of Insurance Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, upon entry of an Order of Rehabilitation or Liquidation against the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan, all powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities of the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan and the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Board under the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act shall be transferred to and vested in the Director of Insurance as rehabilitator or liquidator. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Includes the delivery of covered health care services by way of telephone usage in the definition of "telehealth services". Provides that health care services that are covered under an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance must be covered when delivered via telehealth services when clinically appropriate, subject to specified conditions (rather than requiring an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance to comply with specified conditions if it provides coverage for telehealth services). Provides that patient cost-sharing may be no more than if the health care service were delivered in person. Provides that no excepted benefit policy may deny or reduce any benefit to a patient based on the use of clinically appropriate telehealth services in the course of satisfying the policy's benefit criteria. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. In provisions concerning health care services that are covered under an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance that must be covered when delivered via telehealth services when clinically appropriate, provides that reimbursement to a health care provider for telehealth services for behavioral health services provided through an interactive telecommunications system shall be made on the same basis, in the same manner, and at the same rate as would be applied for the same services if they had been delivered in-person and shall include reasonable compensation to a facility that serves as the originating site at the time a telehealth service is rendered. Provides that with respect to telehealth benefits provided in an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance, insurers may not (rather than an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance may not) require patients to use a separate panel of health care providers to receive telehealth service coverage and reimbursement; create geographic or facility restrictions or requirements for telehealth services; require patients or health care providers to prove a hardship or access barrier before the approval of telehealth services for coverage or reimbursement; negotiate different contract rates for telehealth services and in-person services for behavioral health services; or impose upon telehealth services utilization review requirements that are unnecessary, duplicative, or unwarranted or impose any treatment limitations, prior authorization, documentation, or recordkeeping requirements that are more stringent than the requirements applicable to the same health care service when rendered in-person. Provides that health care providers shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to privacy laws. Defines terms. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.43 new 225 ILCS 150/5 225 ILCS 150/15 325 ILCS 20/3 from Ch. 23, par. 4153 325 ILCS 20/3b new 325 ILCS 20/11 from Ch. 23, par. 4161 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a health insurer shall reimburse a network provider for behavioral health services delivered through telehealth on at least the same basis and at the same rate as if delivered in-person. Provides that a health insurer may establish reasonable requirements and parameters for telehealth services. Further amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force to review and study the use of telehealth services in the State with respect to payment and reimbursement parity for health care providers providing such services. Sets forth provisions concerning election of a chairperson, compensation, and appointments of members of the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force. Provides that the task force shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2021. Provides that the task force is dissolved on January 1, 2023. Amends the Telehealth Act. In provisions concerning use of telehealth, provides that services provided by telehealth shall be consistent with all federal and State privacy, security, and confidentiality laws. Provides that health care professionals shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to specified privacy laws. Provides that health care professionals shall maintain documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with specified provisions of the Illinois Administrative Code. Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Permits an early intervention provider to deliver via telehealth any type of early intervention services authorized under the Act to the extent of his or her scope of practice as established in his or her respective licensing Act consistent with the standards of care for in-person services. Requires parents to be informed of the availability of early intervention services provided through telehealth. Provides that parents shall make the final decision as to whether accepted early intervention services are delivered in person or via telehealth. Defines terms. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.43 new Adds reference to: 5 ILCS 100/5-45.8 new 225 ILCS 150/10 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall cover telehealth services, e-visits, and virtual check-ins rendered by a health care professional when clinically appropriate and medically necessary to insureds, enrollees, and members in the same manner as any other benefits covered under the policy. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance may provide reimbursement to a facility that serves as the originating site at the time a telehealth service is rendered. Sets forth provisions with which coverage for telehealth services shall comply. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance shall notify health care professionals and facilities of any instructions necessary to facilitate billing for telehealth services, e-visits, and virtual check-ins. Provides that the Department of Insurance and the Department of Public Health shall commission a report to the General Assembly and shall submit the report by December 31, 2026. Provides that the Department of Insurance may adopt rules to implement the provisions. Provides that specified provisions are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Removes provisions concerning the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force. Defines terms. Further amends the Telehealth Act. Changes a reference to "telehealth" to "telehealth services." Removes language that provides that health care professionals shall maintain documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with specified provisions of the Illinois Administrative Code. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that at any time upon the recommendation of the State's Attorney of the county in which the defendant was sentenced, the State's Attorney may petition the sentencing court or the sentencing court's successor to resentence the offender if the original sentence no longer advances the interests of justice. Provides that the sentencing court or the sentencing court's successor may resentence the offender if it finds that the original sentence no longer advances the interests of justice. Provides that, upon receipt of a petition for resentencing, the court may resentence the defendant in the same manner as if the offender had not previously been sentenced; however, the new sentence, if any, may not be greater than the initial sentence. Provides that the court may consider postconviction factors, including, but not limited to, the inmate's disciplinary record and record of rehabilitation while incarcerated; evidence that reflects whether age, time served, and diminished physical condition, if any, have reduced the inmate's risk for future violence; and evidence that reflects changed circumstances since the inmate's original sentencing such that the inmate's continued incarceration no longer serves the interests of justice. Provides that credit shall be given for time served; that victims shall be afforded all rights as outlined in the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act; and that resentencing shall not reopen the defendant's conviction to challenges that would otherwise be barred. Provides that nothing in the new provisions shall be construed to limit the power of the Governor under the Constitution to grant a reprieve, commutation of sentence, or pardon.

Urges the General Assembly and the Governor's Administration to invest our transportation and infrastructure dollars as promised under Rebuild Illinois to make good on our collective commitment to fix our roads, bridges, and schools while creating jobs and opportunities for all residents of Illinois.

Creates the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act. Amends various Acts regarding medical staff credentials; electronic posters and signs; N95 masks; Legionella bacteria testing; continuing education on implicit bias awareness; overdoses; the Prescription Monitoring Program; a dementia training program; taxation of blood sugar testing materials; funding of safety-net hospitals; a Child Care Assistance Program Eligibility Calculator; managed care organizations; Federally Qualified Health Centers; care coordination; billing; the Medicaid Business Opportunity Commission; reimbursement rates; doula services; personal care of family members; the State Health Assessment; the State Health Improvement Plan; child care training; and a Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission. Creates the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center of Illinois Act. Creates the Underlying Causes of Crime and Violence Study Act. Creates the Special Commission on Gynecologic Cancers Act. Creates the Racial Impact Note Act to require the estimate of the impact on racial and ethnic minorities of certain bills. Creates the Health and Human Services Task Force and Study Act to review health and human service departments and programs. Creates the Anti-Racism Commission Act concerning elimination of systemic racism. Creates the Sickle Cell Prevention, Care, and Treatment Program Act regarding programs and other matters. Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act in relation to the Health Facilities and Services Review Board, facility closure, and other matters. Creates the Medicaid Technical Assistance Act. Repeals, adds, and changes other provisions. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 305 ILCS 5/9A-11 from Ch. 23, par. 9A-11 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Removes language requiring the SHA and SHIP Partnership to regularly evaluate and update the State Health Assessment and track implementation of the State Health Improvement Plan with revisions as necessary. In provisions amending the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and regarding the Prescription Monitoring Program: (1) presents the findings of the General Assembly; (2) provides that opioid treatment programs may not transmit information without patient consent, and reports made may not be utilized for law enforcement purposes; and (3) provides that treatment of a patient may not be conditioned upon his or her consent to reporting. Removes provisions amending the Illinois Public Aid Code regarding child care. Removes language requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to issue quarterly reports to the Governor and the General Assembly indicating: (i) the number of determinations of noncompliance since the last quarter; (ii) the number of financial penalties imposed; and (iii) the outcome or status of each determination. Makes other changes. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 720 ILCS 570/316 Removes provisions amending the Illinois Controlled Substances Act regarding the Prescription Monitoring Program. Makes changes in provisions amending the Adult Protective Services Act regarding adult protective services dementia training. In provisions regarding increasing access to primary care in hospitals, removes language providing that the program developed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall encourage coordination between FQHCs and hospitals. In the Sickle Cell Prevention, Care, and Treatment Program Act, provides that expenditures from the Sickle Cell Chronic Disease Fund shall be subject to appropriation. Makes the following changes to the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center Act: (1) provides that the Center: (i) shall undertake efforts to identify and engage community-based providers offering behavioral health services or services addressing the social determinants of health, especially those predominantly serving communities of color or those operating within or near service deserts, for the purpose of offering training and technical assistance to them through the Center; and (ii) is committed to the principle that all Medicaid recipients have accessible and equitable physical and mental health care services; (2) requires all providers served through the Center to deliver services notwithstanding the patient's race, color, gender, gender identity, age, ancestry, marital status, military status, religion, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, order of protection status, or immigration status; and (3) provides that moneys in the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center Fund shall be used for specified purposes, subject to appropriation. Makes other changes.

Amends the Conversion and Formation of School Districts Article of the School Code. Creates the School District Efficiency Commission. Provides for the membership and support of the Commission. Requires the Commission to make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on the number of school districts in this State, the optimal amount of enrollment for a school district, and where reorganization and realignment of school districts would be beneficial. Sets forth what areas the recommendations must focus on, including drafting specific propositions to reduce the statewide total number of school districts by no less than 25% through the reorganization of school districts into unit districts. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2022, the Commission must vote on its recommended propositions and file a report with the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that if the Commission adopts the report by an affirmative vote of at least 11 of its members, then the Commission's specific propositions for reorganization of school districts into unit districts shall be filed with the appropriate regional superintendent of schools. Sets forth the regional superintendent's and State Superintendent of Education's duties with respect to the propositions. Repeals these provisions on January 31, 2023, and exempts these provisions from certain financial incentives. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/11E-135 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Changes the name to the Efficient School District Commission (instead of the School District Efficiency Commission). Makes changes to the membership of the Commission. Requires the Commission to provide recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the electorate (rather than make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly). Makes changes concerning the Commission's recommendations. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2022 (rather than May 1, 2024), the Commission must vote on its recommendations (rather than recommended propositions). Requires the Commission to adopt the recommendations (rather than report) by an affirmative vote of at least 13 (rather than 11) of its members. Changes provisions relating to notice. Removes provisions relating to administrative review. Provides for repeal on January 31, 2025 (rather than January 31, 2023). Makes other changes, including with respect to incentive payments. Effective immediately.

Congratulates Bobbie Drew on her retirement, thanks her for her many years of committed service to the Illinois General Assembly and the people of the State of Illinois, and wishes her many happy and healthy retirement years.