Rep. Mary Flowers

Congratulates Orley O. Betcher, III, of Homer Glen, on his 50th birthday.

Amends the Statute on Statutes. Makes a technical change in a Section regarding the application of the Act.

Congratulates and applauds the members of the National Black Police Association (NBPA) for their work in the communities of the State of Illinois and the nation at large.

Amends the Health Carrier External Review Act in the provision concerning standard external review. Provides that whenever a request is eligible for external review (1) the health carrier shall, within 2 (instead of 5) business days, request the Director of Insurance to assign an independent review organization (now, from the list of approved independent review organizations compiled and maintained by the Director) and (2) within 3 business days after receiving the health carrier's request, the Director shall assign, on a rotating basis, an independent review organization from the list of approved independent review organizations compiled and maintained by the Director. Includes the health carrier among those to be notified in writing by the Director of the request's eligibility and acceptance for external review. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Provides that a hospital must include in its written statement of patients' rights the right not to be discriminated against by the hospital due to the patient's race, color, or national origin where such characteristics are not relevant to the patient's medical diagnosis and treatment, and that the statement should put the patient on notice on how to initiate a grievance with the hospital or with the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding improper discrimination. Sets forth discrimination grievance procedures and provides language all hospitals must post for the benefit of patients regarding the hospital's emergency room anti-discrimination policy. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that upon any person's request, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall disclose to the person the status of the Disciplinary Board's review of a specific report or complaint. Provides that the request may be made at any time, including prior to the Disciplinary Board's determination as to whether there are sufficient facts to warrant further investigation or action. Provides that the Department shall, at least 14 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify in writing any person who filed a complaint against the accused of the time and place for the hearing of the charges against the accused before the Disciplinary Board and inform such person whether he or she may provide testimony at the hearing.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a co-payment scale that provides for cost sharing by families that receive child care services, including parents whose only income is from assistance under the Code (rather than the Department shall require co-payments for child care services by any parent, including parents whose only income is from assistance under the Code). Provides that the co-payment shall be based on family income and family size and may be based on other factors as appropriate (rather than based on family income, family size, and the number of children in care). Provides that co-payments may be waived for families whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty level (rather than co-payments shall not be increased due solely to a change in the methodology for counting family income). Effective immediately.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the creation of the Board.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Patients' Right to Know Act. Provides for the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to make available to the public a profile of each licensed physician and chiropractor on an Internet website or in writing if requested by an individual. Requires on the profiles the full name of the physician, any criminal convictions for felonies and Class A misdemeanors, any Department disciplinary action within the most recent 5 years, name of medical schools attended and date of attendance and graduation, specialty board certification, the number of years in practice and locations, the name of hospital where physician has privileges, and other requirements. Permits the Disciplinary Board to provide copies of the profiles to the physicians prior to publication and allows 60 days for the physician to correct any inaccuracies. Provides the physician the option to exclude any information concerning academic appointments, teaching responsibilities, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and any professional and community service awards if the physician or chiropractor chooses not to publish such information. Sets any penalties for a violation of this Act to be provided for in the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Repeals similar provisions of the Medical Practice Act of 1987 that were enacted by Public Act 94-677, which has been held unconstitutional. Effective immediately.