Public Health

Amends the Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Advisory Committee Act. Changes the name of the Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Advisory Committee to the Universal Newborn Screening Advisory Committee. Adds duties for the Committee, including duties to hold quarterly meetings, review conditions, make recommendations, and prepare reports. Makes conforming changes in the short title of the Act, the Newborn Metabolic Screening Act, and the Rare Disease Commission Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that every licensed pharmacy directly serving patients at a physical location shall conspicuously post a sign provided by the Department of Human Services that contains the following: (i) a statement that the Department of Human Services runs a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; (ii) the Lifeline number; and (iii) any other information the Department of Human Services deems appropriate. Provides that the sign shall be printed in color ink or displayed electronically in color, measure at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, and be posted at either a cashier counter or a waiting area that is clearly visible to patients. Requires licensed pharmacies that do not maintain a physical location that directly serves patients to include a copy of the sign with any dispensed prescriptions. Provides that the sign shall also be available to download on the Department of Human Services's website.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. In provisions concerning when EMS personnel may contact Online Medical Control or an EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communications 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, removes the requirement that the patient must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Replaces references to Primary Stroke Centers with Stroke Centers. Provides that a hospital that no longer meets nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for Stroke Centers, loses its Stroke Center certification, or has any change to its designation level shall notify the Department of Public Health and the Regional EMS Advisory Committee within 5 business days. Requires the Department to consult with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee for the adoption or deletion of approved stroke designation levels. Provides that the approved stroke designation levels shall coincide with the stroke designation levels recognized by Department-approved certifying bodies. Requires the Department to establish reporting requirements for designated Stroke Centers to capture information using new or existing electronic reporting tools for statewide data collection and certification purposes. Removes provisions concerning previous Stroke Center designations. Makes other changes.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that no person shall cause or allow the delivery or transfer of any potentially infectious medical waste for transport unless, among other things, the potentially infectious medical waste is accompanied by completed shipping papers that meet the requirements of federal hazardous materials transportation regulations (rather than a potentially infectious medical waste manifest from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) if required under the Act for transport of that waste. Provides that, except in specified circumstances, no person shall transport potentially infectious medical waste, unless the transporter carries completed shipping papers for the waste that meet the requirements of the federal hazardous materials transportation regulations (rather than a manifest from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency). Provides that the potentially infectious medical waste transportation fees are 5 cents (rather than 3 cents) per pound of potentially infectious medical waste. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2026.