Summary as Introduced
Creates the Rural Hospital Task Force Act. Establishes the Rural Hospital Task Force within the Department of Public Health for the purpose of investigating the current state of rural hospitals and providing recommendations to prevent further closures of rural hospitals and to potentially expand rural hospital services. Provides that the Task Force shall convene to conduct business on at least 4 separate days. Requires the Department of Public Health to provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Requires each agency and entity represented on the Task Force to share with the Task Force any data of the agency or entity necessary to achieve the purpose of the Task Force. Provides that all findings and recommendations made by the Task Force must be reported to the General Assembly before January 1, 2027. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved, and the Act is repealed, on January 1, 2027
Staff Analysis
House Bill 1301 proposes the creation of the Rural Hospital Task Force within the Department of Public Health. The primary objectives of this Task Force are to investigate the current state of rural hospitals and to provide recommendations aimed at preventing further closures and potentially expanding services offered by these hospitals.
The Task Force is mandated to convene on at least four separate occasions to conduct its business. It is required to submit all findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before January 1, 2027, after which the Task Force will be dissolved, and the Act will be repealed on that date.
Benefits to Counties:
The establishment of the Rural Hospital Task Force presents several potential benefits to counties, particularly those in rural areas:
1. Improved Healthcare Access: By assessing the challenges faced by rural hospitals and recommending strategies to prevent their closure, the Task Force aims to ensure that residents in rural counties continue to have access to essential healthcare services.
2. Economic Stability: Hospitals often serve as significant employers and economic drivers in rural communities. Preventing hospital closures can help maintain employment levels and support local economies.
3. Enhanced Services: The Task Force’s recommendations may lead to the expansion of services provided by rural hospitals, offering residents access to a broader range of healthcare options locally.
4. Data-Driven Policy Making: With the Task Force’s findings, counties will have access to comprehensive data and analyses, enabling them to advocate for policies and resources tailored to their specific healthcare needs.
HB 1301 seeks to address the challenges faced by rural hospitals in Illinois, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that rural counties maintain robust healthcare infrastructures to serve their populations effectively.