IL HB1301

Creates the Rural Hospital Task Force within the Department of Public Health to investigate the current state of rural hospitals and develop recommendations to prevent closures and expand services

Task Force membership includes legislative leaders (or designees) from both parties, appointees from the Directors of Public Health, Financial and Professional Regulation, Healthcare and Family Services, and Aging, plus representatives from the Illinois Rural Health Association and Illinois Health and Hospital Association

Over 100 rural hospitals closed in Illinois between January 2013 and February 2020, with challenges including low patient volume, high fixed costs, and greater reliance on public payers

Task Force must convene at least 4 times, with the first meeting within 30 days of member appointments; members serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement

All findings and recommendations must be reported to the General Assembly before January 1, 2027, at which point the Task Force dissolves and the Act is repealed