IL HB4887

Amends Section 32.5 of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act to make technical changes regarding Freestanding Emergency Center (FEC) licensing and regulation.

Allows the Department to issue annual FEC licenses to facilities that received a permit from the Health Facilities and Services Review Board with a complete application by March 1, 2009, and meet 17 specified requirements including location, ownership, staffing, and operational standards.

Requires FECs to employ at least one board-certified emergency physician present 24 hours per day, maintain paramedic ambulance services on-site, provide comprehensive emergency treatment 24 hours daily, and report patient transfers and morbidity/mortality data quarterly to the Department.

Permits the Department to issue FEC licenses to facilities in counties without general acute care hospitals or those that filed a letter of intent by March 31, 2009, provided they meet the same requirements as other FEC applicants.

Authorizes the Department to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew FEC licenses after notice and hearing, or issue emergency suspension orders when facility operation poses immediate danger to public health and safety.