IL HB4977

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act to replace "multidrug-resistant organisms" with a broader category called "pathogens of epidemiological concern," defined as infectious agents with propensity for healthcare transmission, antimicrobial resistance, serious clinical disease, or newly emerging characteristics.

Requires hospitals within 12 months to adopt policies for preventing and controlling transmission of these pathogens, including facility risk assessments and evidence-based intervention strategies.

Mandates hospitals report patients identified with pathogens of epidemiological concern to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network.

Expands the list of organizations whose guidelines hospitals must consider to include the Infectious Disease Society of America, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society.

Repeals the existing MRSA Screening and Reporting Act, consolidating pathogen control requirements under the Hospital Licensing Act.