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IL HB4189

IL HB4189
HEALTH CARE SANCTITY ACT


summary

Introduced
10/28/2025
In Committee
10/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that the amendatory provisions may be referred to as the Health Care Sanctity and Privacy Law. Requires hospitals to adopt and implement a policy regarding interactions with law enforcement agents. Sets forth minimum requirements for the policy, including designating a contact person or persons to be notified of all law enforcement presence or information requests and establishing the following procedures: procedures to respond to such requests; procedures to verify the identity and authority of any law enforcement agent involved in civil immigration activities at a hospital site; procedures for designating space for law enforcement agents to remain and wait at a hospital; procedures for patients to request an amendment to their medical records; and procedures concerning the release of information to law enforcement agents. Requires the policy to be submitted to the Department of Public Health. Establishes a fine for hospitals that fail to submit the policy. Sets forth provisions concerning complaints of noncompliance with the provisions; holding hospital personnel harmless from any civil, criminal, or other liability that may arise as a result of their reasonable compliance with the amendatory provisions; obligations as a mandated reporter; and conflicts with federal law. Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act to require compliance with the provisions of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

AI Summary

This bill requires hospitals in Illinois to develop and implement a comprehensive policy for interactions with law enforcement agents by January or March 2026, depending on the hospital type. The policy must include designating specific contact persons to handle law enforcement requests, procedures for verifying law enforcement agents' identities, establishing designated waiting areas for agents, and ensuring patient privacy protections. Key provisions include requiring agents to have valid judicial warrants for patient access, allowing patients to request amendments to their medical records (particularly regarding immigration-related information), and establishing procedures for releasing patient information only in strict compliance with federal privacy laws. Hospitals must provide multilingual notices about patient privacy rights, conduct annual staff training on the policy, and post information about immigration rights. The bill protects hospital personnel from liability when reasonably complying with the policy and allows the Department of Public Health to investigate complaints and impose fines up to $500 per day for non-compliance. The policy aims to balance patient privacy and safety with law enforcement needs, particularly in the context of civil immigration enforcement, while ensuring that hospitals can still respond to genuine safety or criminal concerns.

Sponsors (26)

Last Action

Referred to Rules Committee (on 10/28/2025)

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