ANCRA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

From the Legislature

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that in any investigation in which the Department of Children and Family Services will request a professional's medical or forensic opinion about whether a child's presenting injury or medical condition may be the result of abuse or neglect, the Department shall make reasonable efforts to inform the parent or guardian of the following information within 24 hours after determining it will request such opinion: (i) that the Department will be requesting a professional to issue a medical or forensic opinion to inform its investigation; (ii) that the parent or guardian may seek, at his or her own expense, and submit to the Department a second medical or forensic opinion for consideration in the investigation at any time prior to the conclusion of the investigation; (iii) that any second medical or forensic opinion submitted to the Department will be considered as inculpatory or exculpatory evidence; (iv) that the parent or guardian may request and timely receive a copy of any medical or forensic professional's written opinion, submitted to the Department, as permitted to be released under State or federal law; and (v) any timeframes for the investigation process. Provides that on or before July 1, 2027, the Department shall post on its website an informational document in a format that can be easily downloaded and printed. Sets forth the information that must be included in the informational document; and requires the informational document to be prepared and posted in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Arabic, and to be made available in additional languages upon request. Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Provides that when a minor patient is brought to a health care facility for evaluation, treatment, or care, the health care facility shall provide a parent or guardian who is accompanying such minor patient with a copy of the informational document prepared by the Department of Children and Family Services, in addition to any statement required under the Medical Patient Rights Act if applicable. Requires specified medical professionals who examine, treat, or provide care to a minor patient to inform a parent or guardian who has consented to care on behalf of that minor patient of the professional's name, profession, and specialty, and the professional's role in the overall care of the minor patient. Provides that the amendatory provisions shall not be interpreted or construed to diminish a minor patient's authority to consent to medical examination, treatment, or care otherwise provided under State law, or the privacy and confidentiality protections afforded by State or federal law to a minor patient who consents to medical examination, treatment, or care.