HB 1976

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Provides that an optometrist licensed under the Act may practice optometry through telehealth as authorized by the Act and the Telehealth Act. Provides that an optometrist treating a patient located in Illinois through telehealth must be licensed under the Act. Provides that an optometrist practicing optometry through telehealth is subject to the same standard of care and practice standards that are applicable to optometric services provided in a clinic or office setting. Provides that an optometrist may not provide telehealth services unless the optometrist has established a provider-patient relationship with the patient. Provides that an optometrist treating a patient through telehealth must perform a minimum eye examination as required by the Illinois Administrative Code before prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to the patient. Provides that if the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has reason to believe that a person has violated the provisions of the Act, it may issue a rule to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against that person. Provides that the rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall provide a period of 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer to the satisfaction of the Department. Provides that failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued immediately. Defines terms. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 80/9 225 ILCS 80/15.4 new Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 80/4 from Ch. 111, par. 3904 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning holding a license. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 80/4 Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/1655 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends Public Act 102-578. Changes the effective date of the Act from December 31, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Amends the Travel Insurance Article of the Illinois Insurance Code to provide that travel insurance that provides coverage for sickness, accident, disability, or death occurring during travel or incidental limited property and casualty benefits such as baggage or trip cancellation may be filed for purposes of rates and forms under either an accident and health line of insurance or an inland marine line of insurance (instead of just under an inland marine line of insurance). Effective immediately.