HB0813 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act to add failure to report suspected elder abuse or neglect as grounds for disciplinary action against optometrists, with maximum fines of $10,000 per violation.

• Modifies Section 24 of the Optometric Practice Act to specify that optometrists who willfully fail to report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of eligible adults as required by law shall be referred to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

• Updates the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act to include optometrists among mandated reporters who must report suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of eligible adults within 24 hours to designated agencies.

• Provides immunity from criminal, civil, and professional disciplinary action for mandated reporters, including optometrists, who make reports in good faith based on suspected elder abuse.