Prepared by Capitol Edge Consulting
LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
REPORT
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
2024
In 2015, the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing and ANA-Illinois founded the
Illinois Nurses Grassroots Coalition. This coalition's mission is detailed on the Advocacy
Portal used by nurses throughout Illinois. Nursing, being the largest licensed professional
group in the state, has significant representation in each of the 59 Senate Districts.
Renowned as the most trusted profession for many years, it's crucial to leverage this trust
to amplify the voice of nursing across the state.
The Plan: Engage all nursing organizations, gather input from nurses statewide, and
strengthen our connections with legislators.
The Purpose: To work together, creating a unified nursing voice to support shared
priorities while preserving each organization's distinct identity.
We are proud of this collaboration, believing it strengthens us both as a profession and
as individual associations. Changing policy in Springfield truly requires a collective effort.
This report aims to inform Illinois nurses about the vital work done by RNs and APRNs
within our coalition. We must acknowledge the dedicated nurse volunteers who tirelessly
advocate for our mission. Our work in Springfield is a team effort involving boards,
committees, and member participation.
ANA-ILLINOIS BOARD MEMBERS:
• President: Zeh Wellington, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC
• Vice President: Monique Reed, PhD, MS, RN
• Secretary: Gloria E. Barrera MSN, RN, PEL-CSN
• Treasurer: Jeannine Haberman, DNP, MBA, RN, CNE
• Director: Samuel Davis Jr., MHA, RN, CNOR
• Director: Stephanie Mendoza DNP, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
• Director: Armando Valdez Martinez MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, NE-BC,
CNML
• Director: Diana Ortega BSN, RN
• Director – Recent Graduate: Hannah Shufeldt, MSHCM, BSN, RN
ISAPN BOARD MEMBERS:
• President: Stephanie Crawford, DNP, APRN, CNP
• President-elect: April Odom, APRN, FNP-BC
• Secretary: Alyssa Smolen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
• Treasurer: Debra Lowrance, DNP, APRN, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC
• GR/PAC Committee Chair: Raechel Ferry-Rooney, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC
• Membership Committee Chair: Hannah Holmes, MS, APRN, FNP-BC
• Program Committee Chair: Yvonne Tumbali, DNP, APRN, APN-ACNP
• CNM Rep: Leta Vega DNP, APRN, CNM
• CNP Rep: Misty Kirby Nolan DNP, MSN, APRN FPA, CNP
• CNS Rep:
• CRNA Rep: Ryan Lewandowski DNP, APRN, CRNA
• NW Region Chair: Mary McNamara DNP, APRN, CNP, FAANP
• NE/N Region Chair: April De Mito DNP, APRN, FNP B-C
• NE/S Region Chair: Jenise Farano, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
• WC Region Chair: Doug McKain DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-C
• EC Region Chair: Wamaitha Sullivan, DNP, APRN-FPA, CNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
• Region Chair: Valerie Griffin DNP, PPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP
• Student Rep: Alexis Manning APRN, FNP-C
ANA-ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE/NURSES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
(PAC) MEMBERS:
Chair: Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN
Tamara Bland, EdD, MSN
Gloria E. Barrera MSN, RN, PEL-CSN
Simendea Clark, DNP, RN
Yolanda Coleman, PhD, MS, RN, CEA-BC, FACHE
Samuel Davis Jr., MHA, RN, CNOR
Analia Elizalde, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PEL-CSN
Jeannine Haberman, DNP, RN, MBA, CNE
Jameszetta James, MJ, MSN, RN, ASC-BC, ACM-RN
Stephanie Mendoza DNP, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Michelle Metzger DNP, MSN, MBA, RN
Erika Ohlendorf MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN-K
Diana Ortega BSN, RN
Monique Reed, PhD, MS, RN
Elizabeth Sassatelli PhD, RN, CNE
Deb Savage, MSN, BSN, RN
Angela Villarreal, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Karelle Webb BSN, RN, MPH
Zeh Wellington, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Lauren Wojtkowski, BSN, RN, CEN
ISAPN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE/ISAPN POLITICAL ACTION
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Chair: Raechel Ferry-Rooney, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC
Shammona Clark, APRN-FPA, FNP-C, CNE, BNATP-e
Amanda Connoyer DNP, APRN, CNP
Julie Creaden, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Linda Irle, DNP, APRN
Christina Rene Joiner APRN, FNP-C
Julia Koklys, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC
Amanda LaMonica-Weier DNP, MAT, APRN, FNP-BC, CNL
Marie Lindsey, FPA-APRN, CNP
Debra Lowrance, DNP, APRN, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC
Alexis Manning APRN, FNP-C
Mary Sheehy, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC
Madeleine Starr DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Raesheal Watts MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC
These committees focus on legislative proposals introduced in the General Assembly,
assessing each for support or non-support. The political platforms of ANA-Illinois and
ISAPN are determined by their memberships but don't cover every legislative situation.
The committees review bills to recommend positions and identify supporters of the
association's priorities, deciding whether to provide monetary support or other resources
like campaign assistance or letter-writing campaigns.
An effective grassroots effort requires every member to build relationships with their state
legislators. This task is not solely the responsibility of our lobbyists. While lobbyists
monitor legislation and communicate with legislators in Springfield, nurses as
constituents play a crucial role in their hometowns. Successful grassroots efforts involve
RNs and APRNs statewide, engaging with virtually every legislator to establish these
essential connections. It takes both Springfield and hometown connections to create a
strong voice in Springfield.
ANA-Illinois Legislative Platform Focus Areas:
- Access to Quality Care
- Funding Nursing Education & Research
- Financing Health Care
- Advancing the Profession of Nursing
- Public Health
- Human Rights
- Disaster and Pandemic Preparedness
Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing Legislative Platform Focus Areas:
- Promote the Profession of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing
- Access to Health Services
- Reimbursement
- Education and Research
- Human Rights
We invite all ISAPN and ANA-Illinois members to join us in the Spring of 2025 for Nurses
Day at the Capitol.
END OF SESSION UPDATE:
It was close, but legislators did not meet the expected adjournment deadline of May
24th. The Senate worked through the weekend, adjourning on May 26th at 11 p.m. The
Illinois House of Representatives passed the FY25 budget and spending plan early in the
morning on May 29th. Both chambers are now adjourned until veto session, scheduled
for two weeks in mid-November.
In the 103rd General Assembly (2023 and 2024), 9819 bill proposals were introduced;
this does not include amendments or resolutions.
Throughout the year, many bills go through the legislative process. Some become law
after passing both chambers, while others progress in only one. Plenty of bills remain
stagnant at the introduction stage. Online status checks don't often capture in-depth
discussions with stakeholders, including legislators and government departments who
support or oppose bills. Despite negotiations, deadlines often stall bills, leading to
failure. Passing a bill may span multiple sessions, with introduction in one session and
advancement in the next. This year, over 460 bills passed. Some bills require changes
before approval, highlighting the need for amendments, i.e., the correct definition of
nurses. Bill amendments involve thorough discussions and negotiations for new
language. Drafting errors are usually accidental. Addressing concerns about
amendments can change our stance from opposition to support, ensuring that the
Nurse Practice Act is current.
Legislators consistently recognize ANA-Illinois and ISAPN as the most approachable
groups for open conversations regarding legislation. The associations are willing to sit at
the table and discuss options rather than simply saying no and refusing to agree to any
changes.
This report will highlight important nursing bills and provide insights into their status in
the legislative process, including passage, amendments, or delays.
FY25 Budget:
The initial budget amendment (SB251, SA1) was released at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 24th,
which led to frustration and anger due to many program cuts and omissions. Senate
Amendment 2 to SB251 was introduced at 3 a.m. on May 26th, followed by Senate
Amendment 3 to SB251 at 7:30 p.m. on May 26
th
.
The Senate passed the $53.1 billion state budget on May 26th, and the House approved
it on May 29
th
.
The budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars invested in healthcare initiatives.
The Governor signed the FY25 budget on June 5th, which went into effect on July 1,
2024.
A few highlights of the overall budget include:
• $10 million to support a Department of Healthcare and Family Services program
to relieve medical debt for more than 300,000 Illinoisans.
• $182 million to support asylum seekers in the Chicago area.
• $440 million to provide Medicaid-like coverage for some undocumented adults.
• $1 per hour wage increased for direct service professionals who work with
intellectual and developmental delayed individuals.
• $155 to safety-net hospitals that support low-income communities.
• $4 million to support the Illinois Department of Public Health the state’s maternal
mortality rate, will create an action plan.
• $14 million to create a new state agency to support early childhood programs.
• $4 million to create a community-centered reproductive healthcare plan.
• $18 million to support reproductive health initiatives.
• $2 million for freestanding reproductive healthcare clinics.
Medicaid Omnibus:
Lawmakers voted on and passed SB3268, a large Medicaid omnibus bill. The legislation
includes a one-time adjustment to the add-on rates for services delivered by board-
certified psychiatry physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who hold
certification in psychiatric and mental health nursing. The one-time adjustment is $264
an hour and is subject to federal approval. The Governor signed this into law on June 7,
2024.
In the last hours of session, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) negotiated
an agreement with the Governor's office on sales tax. As part of the agreement, IRMA
will expand pharmacists' scope of practice to include testing and treating for various
conditions. Despite opposition from nursing, medicine, and other stakeholders, it was
confirmed that the agreement would pass. The Senate leadership plans to collaborate
with stakeholders in the fall to refine the language. Ultimately, this was passed as part of
the Medicaid Omnibus bill, SB3268, HFA2.
Of note, bills HB4822 (Leader Manley) and SB3336 (Senator Morrison) were introduced
in this session with similar language regarding test-to-treat; given the opposition from
parties, these bills did not progress to a committee hearing.
The omnibus bill also included eliminating the requirement for prior authorization when
administering prescription psychotropic medications to adults with severe mental health
conditions.
FY25 Nursing budget:
As you may recall from previous updates, ANA-Illinois put forth a budget request.
Nursing asks included in the final budget:
From GRF to Board of Higher Ed – Nurse Educator Fellowships $800,000
From GRF to Board of Higher Ed – for competitive grants $1.5 million
From Education Assistance Fund to ISAC – Nurse Educator loans $500,000
From Nurse Dedicated Fund to ISAC – Nursing Education Scholarship Law $4 million
The Illinois Nursing Foundation increased to $40k.
The Illinois Center for Nursing $4,362,700 was appropriated from the Nursing Dedicated
and Professional Fund to IDFPR to run the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center.
At the end of the spring 2023 session, the Prepare for Illinois Futures program was
noted to be part of the BIMP. The program provides students with free comprehensive
testing and professional licensure preparation. The Illinois Student Assistance
Commission appropriated $10,000,000 for the program.
Bills followed on behalf of nursing:
Over 150 bills for nursing have been monitored this 2024 calendar year.
Bill positions are based on the legislative platform previously approved by the
membership. This platform serves as a guide for the entire organization to use before
communicating the official position to me. When questions about bill positions arise,
discussions take place with the Government Relations Committee and/or the Board of
Directors.
Insurance Reform:
Governor JB Pritzker's insurance reform package, HB5395, a significant step towards
improving the insurance landscape, was passed. The package, which includes a bill
proposed by Sen. Robert Peters (House sponsor was Representative Anna Moeller), aims
to prohibit insurers from requiring patients to try less costly treatments before
approving more expensive alternatives. It also seeks to increase network adequacy and
transparency standards and requires insurers to cover the first 72 hours of inpatient
mental health treatment at a hospital. Ann Gillespie, interim director of the Department
of Insurance, has underscored that the package does not include any new mandated
benefits. This bill was signed into law on July 10, 2024.
Nursing Program Effectiveness:
HB5155, unfortunately, even working with the Senate sponsor just days before
adjournment to find a shell bill, the bill did not move. The final language to move
forward would have been an agreed bill (with a new number) with the Illinois
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. We are disappointed that this bill
did not move during this spring session. Had IDFPR not sent a letter to the Committee
Chair, thus raising concern over the language, we feel it would have moved. I worked
with IDFPR daily regarding their concerns throughout session – as well as once we had
an agreed bill to move forward. IDFPR remains committed to working with us to pass
this measure.
Nurse Licensure Compact:
HB4434, Representative Terra Costa Howard, introduced the Nurse Licensure Compact
this year. Unfortunately, due to continued opposition from labor unions and from the
administration on all compact bills, no compact bills moved forward this session. Of
interest, other compacts were introduced this year: Dentist and Hygienist, Counseling,
Occupational Therapy, and Social Work.
Medication Aides:
Last year, SB1779 regarding medication aides in long-term care passed out of the
Senate Health and Human Services Committee despite opposition from ANA-Illinois and
other nursing organizations. This year, a similar bill, SB3524, was introduced in the
Senate but did not advance out of the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.
On May 8
th
of this year, the sponsor of SB1779 changed to Representative Morris, who
gathered support from over 50 other legislators. All stakeholders looked to ANA-Illinois
because I was first to notice the momentum this bill was suddenly taking. The bill was
discussed in committee on May 20th and ultimately passed out of both chambers. ANA-
Illinois has expressed concerns and opposition to this program and requested to be
involved in the rule-making process. SB1779 has not yet been signed into law by the
Governor.
SB774 (Feigenholtz/Gabel) This bill combines the language from SB3525, which allowed
for medication aides in supportive living facilities, and SB3759, which allowed for
medication aides in assisted living facilities. SB774 contained overall amendments that
ANA-Illinois suggested to the originally introduced bills, changing ANA-Illinois's
position to be neutral on this bill. This bill passed out of the Senate Licensed Activities
Committee on an agreed-upon bill list. Per the NPA, RNs can delegate medication
administration in assisted living and supportive living as they are community-based
settings. SB774 was sent to the Governor for signature on June 21, 2024, to date, it has
not been signed into law.
APRN Preceptor Tax Credit:
HB2374, an income tax credit for APRN preceptors, was discussed in the House
Revenue Committee. The discussion focused solely on the subject matter. Susan Swart
testified about the provider shortage caused by the lack of education and training
settings for APRN students, and the shortage of experienced providers willing to
precept APRN students. Though this was not included in the budget, Leader Manley has
stated her commitment to see this through and will re-introduce it next year.
Priority bills for nursing (bills either introduced on behalf of nursing and/or bills
that required amendments):
HB3739 was discussed during a subject matter hearing. The bill was once again trying
to revert the NPA to outdated nursing delegation language, disregarding current
language to modernize nursing practices. Susan Swart and Bridget Heroff, the president
of the IASN, provided testimony in opposition to the bill. Unfortunately, this bill is
introduced every session; thus, we must work to kill it in every session.
HB5047: Rep Costa Howard and Sen Glowiak Hilton discussed automatic temporary
nurse licensure once they passed the NCLEX. ANA-IL improved the language while it
was in the House and passed both chambers. This bill was signed into law on July 19,
2024.
HB4274 Representative Dan Swanson proposed a bill to remove ticks found on students
in school. The bill encountered opposition from various stakeholders. Although it passed
the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, it did not progress beyond
the House floor. The sponsor withdrew it from consideration when it became evident
that there were not enough 'yes' votes to pass it in the chamber. We were successful in
stopping this bill from moving forward this year.
HB4357; Representative Croke, regarding medical-laser hair removal. There were many
meetings and discussions regarding this bill with the proponents and IDFPR. The final
amendment that passed both chambers includes language that says that nothing in the
specified section of the Medical Practice Act will limit a licensed FPA APRN from
practicing according to the Illinois Nurse Practice Act. As well, the Sponsor noted on the
floor that she is committed to work with nursing to clarify the bills intent, if needed, she
is open to working in a trailer bill for further clarification. The bill passed both chambers
and has been sent to the Governor for signature, though as of this writing, it has not yet
been signed.
HB5230; Representative Buckner, ANA-Illinois opposed this language because it would
reverse a law that ANA-Illinois spearheaded many years ago to eliminate mandatory
nurse overtime. Additionally, the word "nurse" was removed from the bill. This bill was
not called in committee and did not move this session.
HB5394, Representative Laura Faver Dias/Senator Erika Harris, beginning with the 2024-
2025 school year, a school district shall develop a cardiac emergency response plan that
addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an
individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency
while at a school or at a school-sponsored activity or event. Passed both chambers. The
bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor on July 1, 2024.
HB5530, Representative West, this bill provides that the practice of pharmacy includes
the administration of long acting injectables for mental health or substance use
disorders. This can be done pursuant to a valid prescription by the patient's physician,
APRN, or physician assistant. Initially, this bill did not include APRNs. However, we were
able to work with stakeholders to amend the bill to add APRNs to the bill. The bill
passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on July 1, 2024.
SB860, sponsored by Senate President Harmon and Leader Manley in the House,
amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act to add GLP1 agonists. If
the individual is independent in medication administration, they can have an insulin
pump or pod. ANA-Illinois worked closely with the Illinois Association for Rehabilitation
Facilities on this amendment. This bill has passed both chambers and is awaiting the
Governor’s signature to become law. (This was initially introduced as HB3746)
SB3703 was introduced by Senator Faraci. This bill would provide a stipend for school
nurses. Initially, the bill aimed to allocate funds to help cover the costs of clinical
supplies and travel to clinical sites. However, at the request of ANA-Illinois, an
amendment was added to include funding for NCLEX preparation. On May 1st, a subject
matter-only hearing took place, during which Susan Swart was present for testimony.
Unfortunately, the funding did not make it into the final budget. Nonetheless, legislators
recognized the need and pledged to continue working towards it in future budget.
Additional bills of interest:
HB2895, introduced by Representative Anna Moeller, provides that a Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist providing anesthesia services outside the hospital,
ambulatory surgical treatment center, or hospital affiliate shall enter into a written
collaborative agreement with a physician, podiatric physician, or dentist. Removes
provisions providing that a certified registered nurse anesthetist, an anesthesiologist, a
physician, a dentist, or a podiatric physician must participate through discussion of an
agreement with the anesthesia plan and remain physically present and available on the
premises during the delivery of anesthesia services. This bill did not progress this
session.
HB3521, Representative Cassidy, this bill provides that no administrator, agent, or
employee of a hospital affiliate may abuse a patient in a facility operated by a hospital
affiliate. This bill passed both chambers and has been sent to the Governor for
signature.
HB4219, presented by Representative Yang Rohr, focuses on fentanyl education. This
bill modifies the School Code and the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive
Health Education Act by removing fentanyl education provisions from the School Code.
It now mandates disaster preparedness, fentanyl usage, and abuse in the
Comprehensive Health Education Program. Changes are made to mental health
instruction. The curricula on alcohol and drug use are now tailored to different age
groups and development stages. The Program includes education on fentanyl dangers
for grades 6 through 12. This bill has been sent to the Governor for signature.
HB4294, Representative Yang Rohr, proposed enabling pharmacists to supply schools
with medication under standing orders by a licensed physician or the Department of
Public Health for emergency use. The bill did not move forward this session. Illinois DPH
can issue standing orders independently.
HB4302, Representative Jacobs, HB4356 Representative Hauter, HB4698
Representative Ozinga, and SB3746 Senator Bryant, these bills were introduced to
repeal and/or change current Illinois laws regarding women’s reproductive healthcare
from what is currently legal, including a mandate to license abortion clinics through the
Illinois Department of Public Health. These bills did not pass.
HB4355, Representative Weber, regarding puberty blocker ID report. It would require
healthcare providers to report prescribing puberty blockers to those under 18 to the
Department of Public Health quarterly. Forms for reports must not include patient or
provider details. This bill was not passed.
HB4411, Representative Vella, amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. It provided that a
pharmacist must ensure that a sign warning of the dangers associated with opioids is
conspicuously displayed in the pharmacy. The Department of Public Health shall
develop the form and content of the sign. Nursing supported this initiative; however, it
was not passed.
The following bills all sought to add xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Additionally, the bills provided for penalties for the knowing manufacture or delivery, or
possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver xylazine: HB4352, Representative
Weber, HB4450 Representative Haas, SB2089 Senator Joyce, and SB3640, Senator
Joyce. These bills did not pass.
Representative West introduced HB4506 on behalf of the Illinois Department of
Financial and Professional Regulation. The bill amends the Mental Health and
Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act to allow investigators or attorneys from
the department to inspect and copy a recipient's record upon request. The Department
would have been able to use these records in administrative proceedings. The bill was
not passed during this session.
HB4633, Representative Avelar, provides insurance coverage for health care services
provided at a school-based health center at the same rate that would apply if those
health care services were provided. This bill did not pass this session.
HB4637, Representative Crespo's proposed legislation would grant physician assistants
the ability to independently prescribe, dispense, and administer medications and devices
without physician oversight. This bill also allows physician assistants to practice without
a formal collaborative agreement if they meet certain experience and education
requirements. Several changes are outlined, including modifications to definitions,
prescriptive authority, collaboration agreements, and disciplinary actions. The bill was
not approved in this session.
HB4855, Leader McCombie, license convenience act, mandates that the Department of
Financial and Professional Regulation accept payment by credit card for any fee, fine, or
other charge authorized by law to collect. It requires (instead of allowing) the
Department to accept payment through a third-party payment agent for any fee, fine, or
other charges to the Department. This bill did not pass.
Representative Spain, a long supporter of the Nurse Licensure Compact, introduced
HB4988, nurse compact language. Unfortunately, this bill did not progress past the
House Rules Committee.
HB5022, introduced by Representative LaPointe, proposes changes to the 2013
Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act. It mandates advanced practice registered
nurses to observe consumer-staff interactions weekly. The psychiatric medical director
must be present monthly for interaction review and adjustments. Nursing had a position
of neutral on this bill, as the bill would have been avoidable with timely rule
implementation. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law on July 19,
2024.
HB5046, Representative Douglas, amended the Psychiatry Practice Incentive Act to
allow the Illinois Public Health Dept. to establish a Collaborative Care Demonstration
Grant program & set criterion. The Director would have established the program and
provided grants, training & assistance to eligible healthcare practices. This bill did not
progress this session; had it, we would have amended it to include an APRN definition.
Leader Gabel and Senator Collins sponsored HB5142, approved by both chambers. It
targets enhancing Black maternal health via funding grants, tax credits, and a statewide
plan to address barriers and promote interagency collaboration. The legislation was
signed into law by the Governor on July 29, 2024.
HB5218, introduced by Leader Barbara Hernandez, will allow the CNA exam to be taken
in Spanish. The Governor signed this bill into law on July 19, 2024.
HB5239, sponsored by Representative Cassidy, amends the Reproductive Health Care
Act to prohibit the State from providing any information or using any resources to
support investigations seeking to impose liability for the provision, receipt, seeking, or
inquiring about lawful reproductive health care products or services in Illinois. This
includes assisting, advising, facilitating, or conspiring with any person or entity involved
in these activities. The bill has passed both chambers and has been sent to the Governor
for signature.
**Note: one of the reasons that the administration is opposed to the Compact is
because of other states' reproductive health care laws; this bill should help in removing
that specific opposition.
HB5230, Representative Buckner, nursing opposed this language because it would
reverse a law that ANA-Illinois spearheaded many years ago to eliminate mandatory
nurse overtime. Additionally, the word "nurse" was removed from the bill. Since this bill
was not called in committee, it died this session.
HB5394, Representative Laura Faver Dias/Senator Erika Harris. Beginning with the 2024-
2025 school year, a school district shall develop a cardiac emergency response plan that
addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an
individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency
while at a school or at a school-sponsored activity or event. The Governor signed this
bill into law on July 1, 2024.
SB647, Senator Johnson, this bill requires the Department of Human Services to provide
written information to birthing hospitals; all birthing hospitals shall provide new mothers
before discharge following childbirth and, if possible, shall provide fathers and other
family members with complete information about maternal mental health conditions,
including symptoms, coping methods for the illness, treatment resources, post-hospital
treatment options, and community resources. This bill has been sent to the Governor for
signature.
SB2644, Senator Morrison, makes changes to the Department of Public Health uniform
POLST form. Provides that information in the Advance Directive Registry shall be made
available electronically to Emergency Medical Services personnel as defined under the
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that hospital administrators
shall, as appropriate for their respective hospital, provide access to information in the
Advance Directive Registry to hospital health care providers. Sent to the Governor for
signature.
SB2658, Senator Morrison, amends the Newborn Metabolic Screening Act to require
the Department of Public Health to provide all newborns with screening tests for the
presence of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The testing must begin within six months
following specified milestones. Sent to the Governor for signature.
SB 2697, Senator Morrison, proposes changes to the Illinois Insurance Code. It
mandates coverage for clinical genetic testing for individuals with a cancer history, with
a cost limit of $50. The coverage includes additional cancer risk management strategies
if needed. The bill also affects various healthcare-related acts to align with these
changes. This bill has been sent to the Governor for signature.
SB2707, Senator McConchie, this initiative would have created an income tax credit for
an individual taxpayer who is a medical professional in a community-based practice
serving without compensation as a preceptor for at least one student from a qualifying
institution in Illinois and providing clinical instruction for students from a non-Illinois
based program for compensation in the same tax year. The credit shall be $200 per
qualifying student per week but not to exceed $9,600 per taxpayer per year.
Unfortunately, this bill did not move this session.
Senator Halpin introduced SB2795, which includes safe patient limits and the Nurse
Licensure Compact. The bill was assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee
but ultimately was not called for a hearing and did not move this session.
SB3070, Senator Fowler, this bill states that a license of a health care professional that
expires during a public health emergency declared by the Governor, the Department of
Financial and Professional Regulation shall extend the expiration date of that license by
3 months. Provides that the fees for renewal of that license and the expiration date of
the renewed license shall be the same fees and expiration date as though the license
was renewed on the original expiration date. This bill did not move forward this session.
SB3288, introduced by Senator Robert Peters, pertains to the Mental Health and
Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. It clarifies that "research" is defined as in
HIPAA and the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill removes the need for consent
forms to be witnessed for signature or revocation. It allows disclosure of records and
communications for research, following HIPAA and CFR guidelines. This bill has been
sent to the Governor for signature.
SB3136, Senator Castro passed both chambers and creates a plan so that mothers
experiencing substance abuse can receive appropriate medical treatment and recovery
services. The plan will improve infant and maternal health. This bill has been sent to the
Governor for signature.
SB3217, Senator Ventura, this initiative would have amended the Hospital Licensing Act
to increase the fine for a hospital that fails to implement a written staffing plan for
nursing services from a fine of up to $500 per occurrence to a fine of up to $5,000 per
occurrence. As well, it would have increased the fine for a hospital that demonstrates a
pattern or practice of failing to substantially comply with a plan of correction within 60
days from a fine of up to $500 per occurrence to a fine of up to $10,000 per occurrence.
It would have allowed that the Department of Public Health may revoke or suspend a
license under the Act for the second or subsequent time that a hospital demonstrates a
pattern or practice of failing to substantially comply with a plan of correction within 60
days (now, the hospital is issued a fine of up to $1,000 per occurrence for such a
violation). This bill did not move this session.
SB3499, Senator Linda Holmes, creates the End-of-Life Options Act. The bill authorizes
a qualified patient with a terminal disease to request that a physician prescribe aid-in-
dying medication that will allow the patient to end the patient's life peacefully. The
deadline was extended; ultimately, this bill did not move this session.
SB3665, Senator Collins introduced this initiative to amend the Illinois Insurance Code
to ensure coverage for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care by perinatal doulas or
licensed certified professional midwives. Labor support, home births, and necessary
equipment are included. Postpartum coverage extends to lactation consultants, breast
pumps, and supplies recommended for breastfeeding. The coverage lasts at least one
year after birth without cost-sharing. Medical Assistance benefits also cover lactation
services, breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies, and feeding aides without limitations on
the number of services provided. This bill did not move this session.
SB3751, sponsored by Senator Simmons, establishes the Equitable Health Outcomes
Act. It mandates the inclusion of specific demographic details in patient data submitted
to the Department of Public Health. Additionally, it establishes the Health Outcomes
Review Board with defined composition and duties. The bill has been approved and
awaits the Governor's signature.
As always, it is a pleasure representing nursing interests at the Illinois Capitol. Work will
continue throughout the summer and fall as discussions with legislators and
stakeholders take place regarding the bills mentioned above and upcoming legislative
measures.
It is essential to get involved in grassroots advocacy. Before the 104th General
Assembly, start talking to your legislators about ongoing nursing matters. Collaborative
teamwork is needed as we continue our work on critical issues related to nursing. Your
grassroots efforts and prompt responses to our calls for action are valued!
