IL HB5026

Amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act to require health care facilities to provide patients the opportunity to designate a health care representative upon admission, with the designation recorded in electronic health records and verified before major procedures.

Guarantees patients and their designated representatives five core rights: informed consent with clear treatment information, access to medical records with HIPAA confidentiality, the right to appeal medical decisions, the right to second opinions without obstruction, and free medical interpretation services.

Prohibits denial of representative designation based on marital status, extending equal protections to unmarried partners, domestic partners, chosen family members, and friends regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or immigration status.

Creates a State Patient Rights and Advocacy Commission under the Illinois Department of Public Health to oversee compliance, investigate complaints, and report annually to the General Assembly.

Establishes enforcement mechanisms including civil fines, license suspension or revocation, facility accreditation review, mandatory staff retraining, and whistleblower protections for health care workers reporting violations.