HB 2643

Abstract

Creates the Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Team Act. Requires the Director of the Department on Aging, in consultation with other specified agencies and professionals who work in the field of investigating, treating, or preventing abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults, to appoint members to a minimum of one vulnerable adult fatality review team in each of the Department's 13 planning and service areas. Contains provisions concerning appointment terms and the requirement that each review team consist of at least one member who is a physician knowledgeable about abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults; a representative of the Department; a representative of the Department of State Police; a representative of a social service or health care agency that provides services to persons with mental illness; and other specified persons. Provides that each review team shall select a chairperson from among its members and that the chairperson shall also serve on the Illinois Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Teams Executive Council. Contains provisions concerning the Executive Council, its composition, and duties. Contains provisions concerning the review of vulnerable adult deaths; review team access to information; public access to information; the creation of a database of at-risk individuals; and other matters. Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that the meetings of a review team or the Executive Council shall be closed to the public. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that records and information provided to a review team or the Executive Council shall be exempt from public inspection and copying. Amends the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act. Repeals a provision permitting the Department on Aging to establish regional interagency elder abuse fatality review teams. Effective immediately.