(20 ILCS 1335/20)

Sec. 20. Designation of lead entity for 2-1-1.

(a) Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Department is authorized to identify, designate, and enter into a contract with a lead entity to provide governance and oversight, including the ability to design, implement, support, and coordinate a State-wide 2-1-1 system.

(b) Qualifications for designation of the lead entity shall include:

(1) a public or private governance structure with representation from State health and human service departments, specifically the Department, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department on Aging, the Department of Public Health, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Commerce Commission, and non-governmental entity stakeholders; non-governmental entity stakeholders shall constitute a minimum of two-thirds of the representatives;

(2) demonstrated expertise or experience, or both, in planning for a State-wide information and referral system; and

(3) demonstrated support from community partners.

(c) The lead entity shall encourage the orderly and efficient use of 2-1-1 to:

(1) provide access to human services; and

(2) collect needed information about human services and the delivery of human services in Illinois.

(d) The lead entity shall provide periodic reports on activities, accomplishments, and other issues to the Department.

(e) In awarding the contract under subsection (a) of this Section, the Department shall ensure that the 2-1-1 lead entity has the organizational capacity to carry out the terms of the contract and that the contract is cost-neutral to the Department.

(Source: P.A. 96-599, eff. 1-1-10.)