IL HB5907

Changes the Department of Healthcare and Family Services requirement to undertake a pilot project studying disease management programs for chronic conditions from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall"), removing the appropriations contingency.

Pilot project will study patient outcomes for patients with chronic diseases (including diabetes, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and patients at risk of low birth weight or premature birth.

Pilot project shall examine whether disease management programs improve patient health outcomes, reduce hospital admissions, skilled nursing facility stays, emergency room visits, or increase physician office visits.

Department must review scientific literature and consult with healthcare practitioners (physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, and nurses) and engage medical experts, disease advocacy groups, and academic institutions when selecting a vendor.

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law and is scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2014.