Federal
The Supreme Court is deliberating on Idaho and Moyle, et al. v. United States after hearing oral arguments on April 24, 2024. The Idaho politicians who brought this case before the SCotUS hope to circumvent a federal statute — the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) — to arrest clinicians for providing pregnant patients with emergency medical care that could lead to a terminated fetus.
The Biden Administration has issued a “Final Rule”, entitled HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy. This rule modifies HIPAA in an effort to strengthen patient and provider protections with regards to lawful reproductive healthcare.
Illinois
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is encouraging ILA members to submit legislative policy proposals to the ILA Public Policy Committee. For details on how to submit your ideas, please see the information on its website The submission deadline is August 1, 2024.
House Bill 5394 – SCH SAFETY DRILL-CARDIAC PLAN – “Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that no later than 30 days after the first day of each school year, the school board of each public elementary and secondary school in the State shall provide all teachers, administrators, and other school personnel, as determined by school officials, with information regarding emergency procedures and techniques, including, without limitation, the Heimlich maneuver, hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and use of the school district’s automated external defibrillator, and identify the cardiac emergency response team (instead of providing that the school board of each public elementary and secondary school in the State shall encourage all teachers and other school personnel to acquire, develop, and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to properly administer life-saving techniques, including, without limitation, the Heimlich maneuver and rescue breathing). Makes related changes. Provides that the annual review shall include reviewing procedures regarding the school district’s cardiac emergency response plan. Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that school districts and private schools shall develop a cardiac emergency response plan in place in accordance with guidelines set forth by either the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized, evidence-based standards that addresses the appropriate response to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while at a school or at a school-sponsored activity or event. Requires the plan to be distributed to all teachers, administrators, school support personnel, coaches, and other school staff identified by school administrators at each school. Sets forth what shall be included in the cardiac emergency response plan.” – Passed the House on 04/19/2024; Amended and Passed the Senate on 05/16/2024; Returned to the House for Review of the Amended Version 05/16/2024 – here
House Resolution 779 – MENTAL HEALTH BILL OF RIGHTS – “Endorses certain principles as the Mental Health Bill of Rights in an effort to reinforce Illinois’ commitment to providing access to families seeking diagnosis and/or treatment of a mental or behavioral health concern.” – Assigned to the Mental Health & Addiction Committee on 05/20/2024 – here