SB 1999

Abstract

Amends the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. Replaces all instances of "child-placing agency" or "child placing agency" with "child welfare agency". In provisions concerning the Department of Children and Family Services' State Central Registry of child welfare agencies willing to take legal custody of relinquished newborn infants, provides that within 3 business days after accepting a referral from the Department, the child welfare agency shall file a petition for custody and request that the agency be given the authority to place the infant in an adoptive home, foster home, child care facility, or other facility appropriate for the needs of the infant. Prohibits filing or appearance fees for the petitioner. Provides that any issued custody order shall grant the child welfare agency the authority to make medical and health-related decisions for the infant. Provides that any infant who receives emergency or medical care under the Act shall be deemed presumptively eligible for medicaid assistance under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any health care provider or child welfare agency that provides medical services to an infant under the Act shall send all bills related to those medical services directly to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for reimbursement. Makes conforming changes to the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to submit for federal approval any waiver application or State Plan amendment as may be necessary to implement the presumptive eligibility provisions of the amendatory Act. Further amends the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act by requiring a fire station or emergency medical facility that accepts a relinquished infant to inform the infant's parent of the name and location of the hospital to which the infant was transported if the parent returns to reclaim the infant within 30 days (rather than 72 hours) after relinquishing the infant. Amends the Immunization Data Registry Act, the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015, and the Adoption Act by replacing instances of "child-placing agency" or "child placing agency" with "child welfare agency". Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Further amends the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. In a provision setting forth the purpose of the Act, restores language providing that the Act is intended to provide a mechanism for the parents of a relinquished infant to remain anonymous if they choose. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 305 ILCS 5/5-1.7 new Adds reference to: 325 ILCS 2/45 325 ILCS 2/60 325 ILCS 2/65 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Further amends the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. In a provision concerning a relinquished newborn infant under the temporary custody of a hospital, provides that the hospital shall provide all available medical records and information to the Department of Children and Family Services and the child welfare agency that has accepted the referral of the infant. Removes a provision making relinquished infants presumptively eligible for medical assistance under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that if the person who relinquished or a person claiming to be the parent of a newborn infant (rather than the parent of a newborn infant) returns to reclaim the infant (rather than child) within 30 days after the infant was relinquished to a fire station, emergency medical facility, or police station, then the fire station, emergency medical facility, or police station must inform such person (rather than the parent) of the name and location of the hospital to which the infant was transported. Requires a hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility that accepts a relinquished infant to offer the relinquishing person information about the relinquishment process and other information. Provides that the failure to provide such information or the failure of the relinquishing person to accept such information shall not invalidate the relinquishment under the Act. In a provision concerning relinquished infants eligibility for medical assistance under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code, requires a hospital to complete and submit an application for medical assistance on behalf of a relinquished infant and permits the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules. Makes changes concerning searches of the Illinois Putative Father Registry, petitions for return of custody, and other matters. Defines "parent", "biological parent", and "birth parent". Removes amendatory changes made to the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code concerning presumptive eligibility under the medical assistance program for relinquished infants.