(20 ILCS 2310/2310-399.5)

Sec. 2310-399.5. Veterans' cancer program.

(a) The Department, subject to appropriation or other available funding, shall conduct a program to promote awareness of cancer in veterans. The program may include, but need not be limited to:

(1) Dissemination of information regarding the incidence of cancer in veterans, the risk factors associated with cancer, and the benefits of early detection and treatment.

(2) Promotion of information and counseling about treatment options.

(3) Establishment and promotion of referral services and screening programs.

Beginning January 1, 2018, the program must include the development and dissemination, through print and broadcast media, of public service announcements that publicize the importance of cancer screening for veterans.

(b) Subject to appropriation or other available funding, the Veterans' Cancer Screening Program shall be established in the Department of Public Health. The Program shall apply to the following persons and entities:

(1) uninsured and underinsured veterans; and

(2) non-profit organizations providing assistance to persons described in paragraph (1).

An entity funded by the Program shall coordinate with other local providers of cancer screening, diagnostic, follow-up, education, and advocacy services for veterans to avoid duplication of effort. Any entity funded by the Program shall comply with any applicable State and federal standards regarding cancer screening.

Administrative costs of the Department shall not exceed 10% of the funds allocated to the Program. Indirect costs of the entities funded by this Program shall not exceed 12%. The Department shall define "indirect costs" in accordance with applicable State and federal law.

An entity funded by the Program shall collect data and maintain records that are determined by the Department to be necessary to facilitate the Department's ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the entities and the Program. Commencing with the Program's second year of operation, by January 1, 2019 and every January 1 thereafter, the Department shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor. The report shall describe the activities and effectiveness of the Program and shall include, but not be limited to, the following types of information regarding those served by the Program: (i) the number; and (ii) the ethnic, geographic, and age breakdown.

The Department or an entity funded by the Program shall collect personal and medical information necessary to administer the Program from an individual applying for services under the Program. The information shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed other than for purposes directly connected with the administration of the Program or except as otherwise provided by law or pursuant to prior written consent of the subject of the information.

The Department or any entity funded by the program may disclose the confidential information to medical personnel and fiscal intermediaries of the State to the extent necessary to administer the Program, and to other State public health agencies or medical researchers if the confidential information is necessary to carry out the duties of those agencies or researchers in the investigation, control, or surveillance of cancer.

The Department shall adopt rules to implement the Veterans' Cancer Screening Program in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-224, eff. 1-1-18.)