Rep. Maurice West

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is authorized to establish the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program for the purpose of fostering research and development in key industry clusters leading to the creation of new products and services that can be marketed by Illinois businesses. Provides that the Department may award innovation vouchers to eligible businesses to offset a portion of expenses incurred through a collaborative research engagement with an Illinois institution of higher education. Provides for the award of matching funds in the form of innovation vouchers. Provides eligibility requirements for receiving innovation vouchers. Provides requirements for administering the Program. Provides for the adoption of rules. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Allows the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program to be administered by a governmental entity with expertise in innovation, technology, economic development, research and development, and public private partnerships. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, subject to appropriation, shall be authorized to provide to the entity administering the Program an administrative fee in an amount not to exceed 10% (rather than 15%) of the total value of vouchers estimated by the Department to be issued in each fiscal year. Makes the awarding of innovation vouchers subject to appropriation. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: New Act 30 ILCS 105/5.935 new Creates the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund Act. Provides for the creation of the Illinois Broadband Adoption Program for the purpose of expanding availability of broadband Internet connectivity throughout the State. Provides for the creation of the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund for the purpose of providing financial assistance under the Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services may determine qualifications for broadband Internet provider participation and enter into an agreement with each provider. Provides eligibility requirements for financial assistance. Provides that the Department may provide financial assistance to the individual or to the broadband Internet provider designated by the individual in the form of one or more vouchers to pay for specified expenses. Provides that a provider that receives a voucher from an individual household who subscribes to the provider's broadband Internet service shall deduct the amount of the voucher from the amount owed by the subscriber for the provider's provision of broadband Internet service to the individual household on a monthly basis. Removes provision allowing the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program to be administered by an entity other than the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Makes a conforming changes. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Provides that the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund is established as a special fund within the State treasury for the purpose of providing financial assistance. Provides that if the Department of Human Services determines that an individual is eligible for financial assistance, the Department may provide financial assistance to the individual or to the broadband Internet provider designated by the individual in the form of one or more vouchers, each in an amount up to (rather than in the amount of) $50, that can be used by the individual to pay one or more specified expenses.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/1 Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/356z.43 new 215 ILCS 125/5-3 from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 1411.2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall provide coverage for medically necessary comprehensive cancer testing and testing of blood or constitutional tissue for cancer predisposition testing as determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches. Provides that the coverage shall be provided without any prior authorization requirements. Defines terms. Makes a corresponding change in the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Removes provisions amending the Illinois Insurance Code that provide that coverage for comprehensive cancer testing shall be provided without any prior authorization requirements. Removes a definition of "prior authorization".

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Allows the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to award Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarships to an individual who has a valid Illinois-licensed clinical social work license or social work license and a Master of Social Work degree for the purpose of obtaining a Professional Educator License with an endorsement in social work. Sets forth various terms and conditions of the scholarship, including that a recipient of the scholarship must work at a public or nonpublic not-for-profit preschool, elementary school, or secondary school located in this State for at least 2 of the 5 years immediately following the recipient's graduation or termination of studies. Effective January 1, 2022. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Provides for scholarship awards beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year. Removes certain provisions concerning rulemaking. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall give priority to those applicants who are members of a racial minority (rather than those applicants who are members of underrepresented communities in the school social work field in Illinois); defines "racial minority". Provides that each scholarship shall be applied to the payment of tuition and mandatory fees (rather than applied only to tuition). Makes other changes concerning the application and payment of a scholarship. Requires a scholarship recipient to work as a school social worker at a school (rather than work at a school). Effective January 1, 2022. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Adds provisions concerning the priority in the award of scholarships for a fiscal year in which the amount of an appropriation is insufficient to provide scholarships to all qualified candidates. Makes changes concerning priority consideration to those applicants who are members of a racial minority. Removes a reference to "private or parochial school". Requires the repayment of amounts received if a recipient fails to fulfill the work obligation required under the terms of the scholarship, with exceptions. Effective January 1, 2022.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that when a patient has been determined by EMS personnel to (1) have no immediate life-threatening injuries or illness, (2) not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, (3) have no immediate or obvious need for transport to an emergency department, and (4) have an immediate need for transport to an EMS System-approved mental health facility, the EMS personnel may contact Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communication Registered Nurse to request bypass or diversion of the closest emergency department and request transport to the closest or appropriate EMS System-approved mental health facility. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following change. Provides that EMS personnel may transport a patient to an EMS System-approved urgent care or immediate care facility that meets the proper criteria and is approved by Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communications Registered Nurse. House Floor Amendment No. 5 Adds reference to: 210 ILCS 50/3.10 210 ILCS 50/3.50 210 ILCS 50/3.85 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Further amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that "non-emergency medical services" means the provision of, and all actions necessary before and after the provision of, Basic Life Support (BLS) Services, Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services, and critical care transport (rather than means medical care, clinical observation, or medical monitoring rendered) to specified patients using a vehicle regulated by the Act and personnel licensed under the Act (rather than only using a vehicle regulated under the Act). Removes language providing that an Emergency Medical Responder provides emergency medical response services prior to the arrival of an ambulance or specialized medical services vehicle. Requires the Department of Public Health to create standards and requirements with respect to alternative vehicle staffing models for private, nonpublic local government employers (rather than vehicle staffing models) that include an Emergency Medical Responder who drives an ambulance with a licensed EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, or PHRN, as appropriate, in the patient compartment providing care to the patient pursuant to the approval of the EMS System Program Plan developed and approved by the EMS Medical Director for an EMS System. Provides that the Department shall monitor the implementation and performance of alternative staffing models and may issue a notice of termination of an alternative staffing model only upon evidence that an EMS System Program Plan is not being adhered to. Provides that an EMS System Program Plan for a Basic Life Support transport utilizing an EMR and an EMT shall include specified requirements. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program Act. Directs the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create a pilot program for the distribution of grants for the construction of new natural gas pipelines and infrastructure in Pembroke Township. Requires applicants for grants to demonstrate that the grants will result in the construction of a new natural gas pipeline to provide natural gas to the residents of the township. Provides that the Department shall report annually to the Governor and General Assembly beginning in 2022 regarding cost estimates for the Pilot Program, recommendations for improvement to the Pilot Program, and a recommendation as to whether the Pilot Program should be continued. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a gas public utility may apply for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to increase its gas service territory and extend its gas distribution system to serve a designated hardship area. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall, after notice and hearing, grant a certificate of public convenience and necessity if, based upon the application filed with the Commission and the evidentiary record, the Commission finds that specified criteria are satisfied. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Replaces provisions concerning the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program with language providing that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program for a duration of 5 years. Provides that the Department shall distribute grants, subject to appropriation, from moneys in the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Fund for the conversion of appliances to be compatible with natural gas. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules for the administration of the Program. Provides that, at a minimum, the rules shall require that the applicant for the grants demonstrate that the grants will result in the conversion of necessary equipment to have the ability to utilize natural gas. Provides that the rules shall allow for conversion grants awarded to residents of Pembroke Township and to Pembroke Township to provide assistance for the use of natural gas and shall ensure that the applicant complies with all other requirements of the rules. In provisions amending the Public Utilities Act, makes changes concerning what a gas public utility applying for a certificate of public convenience and necessity shall include in the application and the criteria the Illinois Commerce Commission shall consider in granting the certificate. Effective immediately.

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require each long-term care facility in the State, as a condition of facility licensure, to adopt and implement written policies, provide for the availability of technology to facility residents, and ensure that appropriate staff and other capabilities are in place to prevent the social isolation of facility residents. Contains specified requirements for the social isolation prevention policies. Provides that the Department shall distribute civil monetary penalty funds, as approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and any other available federal and State funds, upon request, to facilities for communicative technologies and accessories needed for the purposes of the provisions. Provides that whenever the Department conducts an inspection of a long-term care facility, the Department's inspector shall determine whether the long-term facility is in compliance with the provisions and the policies, protocols, and procedures adopted pursuant to the provisions. Requires the Department to adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions within 60 days after the amendatory Act's effective date (and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act). Contains other provisions. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes language providing that the Department of Public Health shall require each long-term care facility in the State to perform specified actions as a condition of facility licensure. Provides that the social isolation prevention policies shall not be interpreted as a substitute for in person visitation, but shall be wholly in addition to the existing in person visitation policies. Provides that a resident's individualized visitation plan shall give priority to the resident's preferences over the preferences of the resident's representative. Provides that a long-term care facility may apply for (rather than the Department shall distribute) civil monetary penalty fund grants, and may request other available federal and State funds to obtain assistive and supportive technologies and related accessories that would facilitate communication between residents and other family members, friends, and external support systems. Provides that the Department (rather than the Department's inspector) shall determine whether a long-term care facility is in compliance with the provisions whenever the Department conducts an annual licensure and certification survey, when a complaint is received, or as frequently as may be necessary (rather than whenever the Department conducts an inspection of a long-term care facility). Provides that a noncompliant long-term care facility shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty as a Type "C" violation. Provides that implementation of an administrative penalty as a Type "C" violation under the provisions shall not be imposed prior to January 1, 2023. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 In provisions amending the Nursing Home Care Act, provides that the social isolation prevention policies adopted by each long-term care facility shall be consistent with the rights and privileges guaranteed to residents and constraints provided under specified provisions of the Nursing Home Care Act. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Adds provisions regarding legislative findings. Replaces references to specified types of equipment with references to assistive and supportive technology and devices. Requires appropriate staff to develop and update an individualized virtual visitation schedule while taking into account the individual's requests and preferences (rather than to assess and regularly reassess the individual needs and preferences of facility residents). Requires appropriate staff to develop an individualized virtual visitation schedule (rather than an individualized visitation plan) with specified requirements. Provides that specific protocols and procedures shall be developed to ensure that the quantity of assistive and supportive technology and devices maintained on-site at a facility remains sufficient, at all times, to meet the assessed social and activity needs and preferences of each facility resident. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act. Requires private educational lenders to obtain from the relevant institution of higher education at which the borrower will use the loan proceeds certifications regarding cost, enrollment status of the borrower, and financial assistance available to the borrower. Provides that private educational lenders must file reports with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Student Loan Ombudsman. Provides that loan statements must be provided not less frequently than quarterly. Requires institutions of higher education to certify compliance with provisions of the Act to the Board of Higher Education or Illinois Community College Board as a condition to operate. Defines terms. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Revises a cross-reference to certain certifications required under the Act to be made by an institution of higher education. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Defines the term "annual percentage rate" and requires disclosure of that rate. Provides an exemption from reporting for private educational lenders that fund 10 or fewer educational loans in a calendar year. Adds disclosure requirements for income share agreements.

Creates the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act. Provides that the Act applies to every unit of local government that provides or coordinates ambulance or similar emergency medical response or transportation services for individuals with emergency medical needs. A home rule unit may not respond to or provide services for a mental or behavioral health emergency, or create a transportation plan or other regulation, relating to the provision of mental or behavioral health services in a manner inconsistent with this Act. Provides that one plan shall describe how the EMS Region will provide mobile emergency mental and behavioral health services to individuals who do not present as a threat to the responders, and are not involved in criminal activity at the time of the response. Provides that the plan shall conform to the requirements of the Act and, recognizing the variety of systems, services, and needs across the State, provide the specific requirements and guidance appropriate for that region. Provides that the plan shall be identified as the region's community emergency services and supports plan. Provides that the second plan shall describe the manner and extent to which responders operating under the region's Community Emergency Services and Supports Plan coordinate with law enforcement when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that the plan shall be identified as the region's Non-Violent Misdemeanor Coordination Plan. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Dept. of Human Services) The fiscal impact to IDHS to provide for the establishment and oversight on the committees would be minimal. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Provides that each 9-1-1 call center and provider of emergency services dispatched through a 9-1-1 system must coordinate with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services so that the following State goals and State prohibitions are met whenever a person interacts with one of these entities for the purpose seeking emergency mental and behavioral health care or when one of these entities recognizes the appropriateness of providing mobile mental or behavioral health care to an individual with whom they have engaged. Provides that the Division of Mental Health is also directed to provide guidance regarding whether and how these entities should coordinate with mobile mental and behavioral health services when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that 9-1-1 call centers, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 call centers, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Division of Mental Health must coordinate their services so that certain specified State prohibitions are avoided. Provides that the Division of Mental Health shall establish regional advisory committees in each EMS Region to advise on emergency response systems for mental and behavioral health. Provides that the Act applies to persons of all ages, both children and adults. Provides that the Act does not limit an individual's right to control his or her own medical care. No provision of this Act shall be interpreted in such a way as to limit an individual's right to choose his or her preferred course of care or to reject care. Provides that no provision of this Act shall be interpreted to promote or provide justification for the use of restraints when providing mental or behavioral health care. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to make conforming changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 50 ILCS 750/4 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Provides that each 9-1-1 call center and provider of emergency services dispatched through a 9-1-1 system must coordinate with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services so that the following State goals and State prohibitions are met whenever a person interacts with one of these entities for the purpose seeking emergency mental and behavioral health care or when one of these entities recognizes the appropriateness of providing mobile mental or behavioral health care to an individual with whom they have engaged. The Division of Mental Health is also directed to provide guidance regarding whether and how these entities should coordinate with mobile mental and behavioral health services when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that 9-1-1 PSAPs, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Division of Mental Health must coordinate their services so that the State goals listed in this Section are achieved. Appropriate mobile response service for mental and behavioral health emergencies shall be available regardless of whether the initial contact was with 9-8-8, 9-1-1 or directly with an emergency service dispatched through 9-1-1. Provides that the Division of Mental Health shall establish a Statewide Advisory Committee to review and make recommendations for aspects of coordinating 9-1-1 and the 9-8-8 mobile mental health response system most appropriately addressed on a State level. Provides that the Division of Mental Health shall establish Regional Advisory Committees in each EMS Region to advise on regional issues related to emergency response systems for mental and behavioral health. Provides that the exemptions from civil liability in the Emergency Telephone Systems Act apply to any act or omission in the development, design, installation, operation, maintenance, performance, or provision of service directed by the Act. Provides that the Act applies to persons of all ages, both children and adults. This Act does not limit an individual's right to control his or her own medical care. No provision of this Act shall be interpreted in such a way as to limit an individual's right to choose his or her preferred course of care or to reject care. No provision of this Act shall be interpreted to promote or provide justification for the use of restraints when providing mental or behavioral health care. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Make technical and stylistic changes in the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1. Adds additional responsibilities for 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point telecommunicators and emergency service providers. Places the applicability and home rule preemption provisions in a separate Section of the bill.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that every insurer that amends, delivers, issues, or renews a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a qualified health plan offered through the health insurance marketplace in the State and Medicaid managed care organizations providing coverage for hospital or medical treatment shall provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Provides that an insurer shall not limit benefits or coverage for medically necessary services on the basis that those services should be or could be covered by a public program. Provides that an insurer shall base any medical necessity determination or the utilization review criteria on current generally accepted standards of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition care. Provides that in conducting utilization review of covered health care services and benefits for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions in children, adolescents, and adults, an insurer shall exclusively apply the criteria and guidelines set forth in the most recent versions of the treatment criteria developed by the nonprofit professional association for the relevant clinical specialty. Provides that an insurer shall not apply different, additional, conflicting, or more restrictive utilization review criteria than the criteria and guidelines set forth in the treatment criteria. Provides that the Director may, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, assess a civil penalty between $5,000 and $20,000 for each violation. Amends the Health Carrier External Review Act. Provides that the independent review organization shall comply with specified requirements for an adverse determination or final adverse determination involving mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 In provisions concerning mental and emotional disorders, provides that an insurer shall not set a specific limit on the duration of benefits or coverage of medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions or limit coverage only to alleviation of the insured's current symptoms. Provides that nothing shall require the insurer to cover a treatment when the authorization was granted based on a material misrepresentation by the insured, the policyholder, or the provider. Provides that an insurer may apply specified utilization review criteria to health care services and benefits for mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions that are outside the scope of specified criteria and guidelines or relate to advancements in technology or types of care that are not covered in the most recent versions of specified sources. Provides that if the Director of Insurance determines that an insurer has violated the provisions, the Director may assess a civil penalty between $1,000 and $5,000 for each violation (rather than between $5,000 and $20,000). Removes language that provides that changes in terminology, organization, or classification of mental, emotional, nervous, substance use disorder or condition in future versions of specified publications shall not affect the conditions covered by provisions concerning mental and emotional disorders as long as a condition is commonly understood to be a mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition by health care providers practicing in relevant clinical specialties. Removes language that provides that an insurer shall not limit benefits or coverage for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions to short-term or acute treatment at any level of placement. Makes other changes. Changes the effective date to January 1, 2022 (rather than an immediate effective date). Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/370c.1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that every insurer that amends, delivers, issues, or renews a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a qualified health plan offered through the health insurance marketplace in the State and Medicaid managed care organizations providing coverage for hospital or medical treatment shall provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions on or after January 1, 2023 (rather than January 1, 2022). Provides that an insurer or Medicaid managed care organization shall not be required to pay for services if the individual was not the insurer's enrollee or eligible for Medicaid at the time the service was rendered. Provides that an insurer shall not be required to cover benefits that have been authorized and provided for a covered person by a public entitlement program. Provides that for medical necessity determinations (rather than in conducting utilization review of covered health care services and benefits) relating to level of care placement, continued stay, and transfer or discharge of insureds diagnosed with mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions, insurers and Medicaid managed care organizations shall apply specified patient placement criteria. Makes various changes to provisions concerning requirements for insurers regarding education of the insurer's staff and other stakeholders, publishing of utilization review criteria, and documentation of interrater reliability testing and remediation actions. Further amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition parity, provides that not later than January 1 (rather than August 1) of each year, the Department of Insurance shall issue a joint report to the General Assembly and provide an educational presentation to the General Assembly. Removes language that provides that insurers shall base the duration of treatment on the insured's individual needs; that an insurer shall only engage applicable qualified providers in the treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions or the appropriate subspecialty and who possess an active professional license or certificate to review, approve, or deny services; and that every insurer shall sponsor a formal education program by nonprofit clinical specialty associations. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2022, except that specified provisions take effect immediately.

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Provides that if a student has a personal support worker through the Home-Based Support Services Program for Adults with Mental Disabilities under the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act, the governing board of the public university or community college district must permit the personal support worker to attend class with the student but is not responsible for providing or paying for the personal support worker. Provides that if the personal support worker's attendance in class is solely to provide personal support services to the student, the governing board may not charge the personal support worker tuition and fees for such attendance. Effective immediately.