SPRINGFIELD – A new law carried by State Senator Karina Villa expands protections against sexual abuse for patients in health care settings outside of hospitals. This comes following an investigation into the issue conducted by the Chicago Tribune.
“As chair of the Public Health Committee, I am focused on building upon the work of the General Assembly to ensure that we eliminate any possible risk of abuse in health care settings,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “It is critical that every setting where a person receives health care treatment is a safe space.”
The new law requires health care facilities affiliated with hospitals to report suspected abuse of a patient, including doctor’s offices and clinics. The legislation explicitly prohibits employees of these facilities from abusing a patient including medical staff, administrators, agents or other employees.
Under the new law, health care facilities affiliated with hospitals are subjected to the same reporting guidelines as hospitals. The Illinois Department of Public Health is also required to investigate abuse in facilities operated by hospital affiliates.
“While there is clearly more to be done, including ensuring that patients are aware of their rights and possible remedies when health care providers sexually abuse them, I am pleased that the General Assembly was able to work quickly to respond to the most egregious failings in our law,” said State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago). “My ongoing work focuses heavily on the needs of survivors of gender-based violence, and this issue is certainly not settled. I will continue to work with survivors and advocates to ensure that we’re doing everything in our power to protect patients in health care settings.”
House Bill 3521 was signed on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
###
