Governor Signs More ISMS-Backed Bills!
August 16, 2024
Governor Pritzker had a busy day last Friday signing 265 bills into law, including some ISMS-backed initiatives.
- Senate Bill 3741 (now Public Act 103-1040) removes prior authorization requirements for higher doses of buprenorphine for treating substance abuse disorder and addresses a physician’s freedom to prescribe controlled substances as they feel appropriate and most beneficial to their patients. This new law goes into effect immediately!
- Senate Bill 3136 (now Public Act 103-0941) will create a statewide, multidisciplinary task force to design a model for implementing Family Recovery Plans to help pregnant persons who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders. The task force will develop recommendations for the creation, implementation, and management of these plans. These plans are required by federal law, which has been in effect since 2003. The leading cause of maternal mortality in Illinois is substance use disorder. A Family Recovery Plan sets up medical treatment, recovery services and referrals to community agencies/resources for identified infant and caregiver(s). The bill also makes two minor changes to how a positive toxicology test of a newborn is managed by DCFS. This new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
- Senate Bill 2641(now Public Act 103-906) Adequate Networks and Hospital-Based Specialists amends the Illinois Network Adequacy and Transparency Act (NAT Act). Every insurer will have to show to the Illinois Department of Insurance that in-network hospitals have hospital-based specialties, including pathologists, anesthesiologists, emergency medicine, and radiologists as preferred providers in a network plan. ISMS member and State Rep. William Hauter, M.D., was instrumental in negotiating this bill during the spring legislative session. This new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
ISMS’ work to effect positive changes for Illinois physicians and their patients continues as preparations are now underway for the fall veto session and the 2025 Spring Legislative Session.
If you have questions, please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs Erin O'Brien by email