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Senate GOP task force to take closer look at hospital board
On Monday, the Senate Republican Health Facilities Planning Board
Task Force conducted its first public hearing to take a closer look
at the politically charged process that is all too common in
determining health facility construction and modification.
I chair the task force, which will have at least four members,
including Sens. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon; Pam Althoff, R-McHenry; and
Brad Burzynski, R-Clare.
The task force hearing Monday afternoon was at the James R.
Thompson Center in Chicago. We expect to have a second hearing in
August in Springfield.
The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board had a tumultuous
couple of years. The board was revamped in 2004 after it came under
federal scrutiny for its approval of a $49 million hospital in
Crystal Lake.
A study commissioned by the Health Facilities Planning Board and
completed by Governor's State University in February of 2005 has
labeled Illinois as a state that needs to decide on the future
direction, either toward deregulation or toward improving the
"Certificate of Need" process.
The study notes that a review of current legislative activities
reveals three broad clusters of states: one group looking to
deregulate the process, a second group focusing on improving and
streamlining the process, and the third group, including Illinois,
undecided on whether to move toward deregulation or toward improving
the processes.
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A July 2004 report by the Department of Justice said, "States
with Certificate of Need programs should consider whether these
programs best serve their citizens' health care needs." There has been no meaningful debate on the process. The sunset
date for the Certificiate of Need process was extended until April
2007, so now is the time to have hearings so decisions can be made
during the next legislative session.
The Senate Republican Caucus envisions a process that is more
efficient, objective and predictable. We need to ensure this process
is void of political influence and effectively achieves its goals of
cost containment and access to care.
Insurance information line available to help consumers
Illinois consumers with insurance questions can get help from a
statewide toll-free line.
The Illinois Insurance Hotline is an industry-sponsored resource
providing residents with access to unbiased information about a wide
range of insurance topics.
The line offers information to help consumers make decisions
about insurance issues. It does not sell insurance or recommend
specific companies. Consumers can talk with a consultant who can
either answer their questions or send them informational materials.
Consumers can reach the information service by calling 1-800-444-3338. Consultants are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
The Illinois Insurance Hotline fielded nearly 5,000 calls last
year.
[Column from
Sen. Bill Brady] |
