New Illinois Laws You Should Know: 2012
The Illinois State Legislature passed more than 200 other bills that were signed into law in 2011. That's a mere drop-in-the-bucket to the more than 40,000 new laws that came out of state houses across the nation, including a ban on the sale of animals on the street to creating a special license plate for music teachers. The following are some of the Illinois laws that go into effect in January 2012 that we believe may be relevant to some or all of our readers (these are in addition to New 2012 Illinois Driving Laws):
>> An Anti-Epileptic Drug Notification law requires pharmacists to provide written notification to a patient when dispensing a prescription in which they have substituted a generic anti-epileptic for a brand name anti-epileptic drug.
>> Parents and children should know that as of 2012, Illinois public schools can suspend or expel students who make explicit threats against other students or school employees on Facebook and Twitter, other social media sites, blogs or other websites.
>> A new Medical Malpractice law allows the public to request the status of a specific complaint or report under review by the medical disciplinary board. Requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to contact the complainant 14 days before any hearing relating to the accused. The law also requires health care facilities to report to the Department of Public Health (DPH), within 20 days, any actions that have resulted in patient death or serious disability and allows DPH to investigate further if necessary.
>> Oral Cancer Medications (HB 1825/PA 97-0198) law now requires insurance plans that provide coverage for oral cancer medications and intravenous cancer medications to cover oral medications at the same benefit cost as intravenous medications.
>> Beginning in 2012, it will be illegal to throw out more than 13 types of electronic products. The law does not provide for garbage police. But, if you do get caught, the law calls for a first-time $25 fine. Consumers must take their e-waste—such as computers, TV sets, video game consoles and recorders—to registered recyclers for proper disposal.
>> Synthetic marijuana—sold in convenience stores and gas stations under names such as "K2" and "Head Trip"—are now outlawed. Possession or sale of the products will be a felony with penalties ranging from 1 to 60 years. In July 2011, Illinois banned the use and sale of specific bath salts that create a euphoric high if ingested. The purchase or sale of salvia divinorum is also illegal in Illinois. Possession is a felony offense.
>> House Bill 1562 now provides the public access to hospital report cards through the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
>> Gold Star Families Law allows the natural mother, father or spouse of an Illinois veteran, who was killed in the line of duty, to be admitted to Illinois veterans homes if there is space.
>>The Jury Selection lists will now include the claimants for unemployment insurance in the data used to create jury selection pools.
