HB 1557

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Defines "change of ownership of a healthcare facility", "related person", and "technical assistance". Precludes appointment of any person to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board on or after January 1, 2004, if that person has served more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms as a board member, except for ex-officio, non-voting members. Provides that a majority (now, 8) of the members of the board who currently hold office constitutes a quorum and that the affirmative vote of a majority (now, 8) of the voting members who currently hold office is required for action requiring a vote by the board. Provides for disqualification of a board member from consideration of an application under certain circumstances. Provides that an increase of 15 (now, 10) beds or 15% (now, 10%) of total bed capacity, by moving beds from one facility to another, over a defined 2-year period, requires a permit or exemption. Makes changes concerning exceptions to the permit or exemption requirement. Provides that an exemption shall be approved when information required by the board by rule is submitted. Provides that certain projects are eligible for an exemption, rather than a permit. Provides that the Director of the Department (now, the State Board) shall appoint a hearing officer within 30 days after the Director (now, the Chairman of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board) schedules a hearing to appeal an action by the board. Makes changes concerning the length of the hearing and the time in which the Board's final determinations must be made. Requires the Department of Public Health to issue a permit where the application receives positive findings on all of the Board's review criteria and the application is not objected to by any member of the public. Makes changes concerning data collection from health care facilities by the Department of Public Health and the way in which regulations, standards, criteria and state norms are reviewed, revised, promulgated, and posted. Extends the repeal date to January 1, 2008 (now, January 1, 2003). Makes other changes.