SB 2384

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover community-based pediatric palliative care from a trained interdisciplinary team. Amends the Pediatric Palliative Care Act. Repeals a provision that made the Act inoperative on and after July 1, 2012. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop a pediatric palliative care program (rather than a pediatric palliative care pilot program) under which a qualifying child may receive community-based pediatric palliative care from a trained interdisciplinary team and may also choose to continue to pursue aggressive curative or disease-directed treatments for a serious (rather than a potentially life-limiting) illness under the benefits available under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Defines a qualifying child to be a person under the age of 19 (rather than 18) who is enrolled in the medical assistance program and suffers from a serious illness (rather than a potentially life-limiting medical condition). Contains provisions concerning a State Plan amendment; prohibited Department rules; pediatric interdisciplinary teams; reimbursable services offered under the pediatric palliative care program; standards for and technical assistance to managed care organizations; reporting requirements; criteria a case manager must meet for demonstrated expertise in pediatric palliative care; and other matters. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes to the Pediatric Palliative Care Act. Makes changes to the definition of "serious illness". Restores language requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for a waiver to implement the pediatric palliative care program. Defines a qualifying child to be a person under the age of 21 who is enrolled in the medical assistance program and is diagnosed by the child's primary physician or specialist as suffering from a serious illness (rather than a person under 19 years of age who is enrolled in the medical assistance program and suffers from a serious illness). Provides that those serious illnesses that render a child eligible for pediatric palliative care services include any other serious illness that the Department, in consultation with interested stakeholders, determines to be appropriate. Restores language making certain reimbursable services offered under the pediatric palliative care program subject to federal approval for matching funds. Changes "case manager" to "program manager". Changes "qualifying participants" to "qualifying children".