Gov. Pritzker Signs Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act
Yesterday, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act (
HB 5295/PA 104-0471), intended to safeguard patient privacy and prevent sensitive medical information from being shared out of state for those seeking reproductive healthcare in Illinois. The legislation requires Epic and other electronic medical record (EMR) companies to segregate in a person’s medical record services related to abortion or gender affirming care. The legislation was introduced in response to claims of examples in states banning abortion or gender affirming care services of prosecutions of individuals who received these services in a state where such services are legal.
IHA successfully negotiated that the private right of action (PRA) in the legislation would not apply to hospitals; however, the PRA will apply to EMR companies. This law takes effect July 1, 2027. Additional information and guidance for hospitals and health systems relating to this law is forthcoming.
Foundation Trainings on Responding to Acute Sexual Assault Survivors
The Office of the Illinois Attorney General (OAG) has announced two upcoming Foundation Training webinars on Responding to Acute Sexual Assault Survivors (Foundation Training) on Thursday, July 16 and Tuesday, Nov. 10.
These webinar-based trainings are designed to assist medical professionals, sexual assault service providers, law enforcement and prosecutors in caring for sexual assault survivors. Foundation Training covers the medical forensic examination, Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, sexual assault epidemiology, neurobiology of trauma, drug-facilitated sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and Illinois sexual assault laws. Foundation Training can also assist medical professionals in deciding whether to pursue becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner.
Attending Foundation Training fulfills the statutory requirements for emergency department clinical staff at both treatment and transfer facilities under the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (
SASETA). Participants who complete at least 90% of the webinar and submit a course evaluation will receive a certificate of participation.
To register for a Foundation Training webinar, click on the applicable Zoom registration link below. Once you are registered, you will receive login information via email.
- Thursday, July 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT. Register in advance for this webinar here.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT. Register in advance for this webinar here.
If you need assistance registering or need to request reasonable accommodations, please contact Theresa Geary at
sane@ilag.gov or 866-376-7215. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach use the 7-1-1 relay service.
Upcoming Medicaid Eligibility Changes and Available Resources
Illinois hospitals and healthcare providers are encouraged to continue outreach efforts to help Medicaid enrollees prepare for upcoming federal eligibility and reporting changes tied to H.R. 1.
Under the new federal requirements, certain adults enrolled in Medicaid may eventually need to report work, education or training activities to maintain coverage. While many individuals are expected to qualify for exemptions, ensuring patients receive clear, timely information will be essential to helping eligible individuals avoid unnecessary coverage disruptions.
Through IHA’s participation in Cook County Health’s Medicaid Impact Workgroup, IHA is helping amplify public awareness efforts and distribute additional educational resources. This includes the “
Get Medicaid Facts” website and accompanying multilingual
communications materials designed to support hospitals, providers, and community organizations in educating patients and preparing for the upcoming changes. The toolkit has been updated in all languages and is aligned with final guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Hospitals are encouraged to add their own logo to the
designed assets in the toolkit and share them broadly. In addition, design source files are now available on the project webpage.
Click here to view using password “getmed.”
Please note: Stock photography used in the designs is not included in the source files. However, organizations are welcome to use the provided layout, fonts, background elements, GetMedicaidFacts branding assets, etc., and substitute their own stock photography if they wish to make substantive modifications to the materials.
Agencies Issue Joint Statement on AI and Increased Cyber Risk
The leaders of the Five Eyes cybersecurity agencies, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and United States, released a
joint statement this week calling for cyber resilience in response to the increased cyber risk attributable to artificial intelligence (AI).
Saying a “whole-of-organization” response is required, the alert urged leaders to understand and assess risk, readiness and accountability; prioritize foundational cybersecurity practices and controls; empower leaders with authority and resources; and stay engaged as threats and guidance evolve. The agencies recommended practical actions to reduce operational, financial, and reputational exposure, including reducing attack surface, accelerating patching processes, addressing legacy systems, reviewing and strengthening identity and access controls, and preparing for incidents before they happen.
2027 AHA Circle of Life Award Application Period Is Now Open
The application period for the American Hospital Association’s 2027 Circle of Life Award is open through July 15, at noon CT. The Circle of Life Award celebrates innovative organizations that provide direct care for patients with serious or life-limiting illness and demonstrate exceptional commitment to palliative and end-of-life care.
Click here to learn more about the Circle of Life Award, examples of past honorees and application materials.
