(20 ILCS 2310/2310-430) (was 20 ILCS 2310/55.69)

Sec. 2310-430. Women's health issues.

(a) The Department shall designate a member of its staff to handle women's health issues not currently or adequately addressed by the Department.

(b) The staff person's duties shall include, without limitation:

(1) Assisting in the assessment of the health needs of women in the State.

(2) Recommending treatment methods and programs that are sensitive and relevant to the unique characteristics of women.

(3) Promoting awareness of women's health concerns and encouraging, promoting, and aiding in the establishment of women's services.

(4) Providing adequate and effective opportunities for women to express their views on Departmental policy development and program implementation.

(5) Providing information to the members of the public, patients, and health care providers regarding women's gynecological cancers, including but not limited to the signs and symptoms, risk factors, the benefits of early detection through appropriate diagnostic testing, and treatment options.

(6) Publishing the health care summary required under Section 2310-425 of this Act.

(c) The information provided under item (5) of subsection (b) of this Section may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Educational and informational materials in print, audio, video, electronic, or other media.

(2) Public service announcements and advertisements.

(3) The health care summary required under Section 2310-425 of this Act.

The Department may develop or contract with others to develop, as the Director deems appropriate, the materials described in this subsection (c) or may survey available publications from, among other sources, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. The staff person designated under this Section shall collect the materials, formulate a distribution plan, and disseminate the materials according to the plan. These materials shall be made available to the public free of charge.

In exercising its powers under this subsection (c), the Department shall consult with appropriate health care professionals and providers, patients, and organizations representing health care professionals and providers and patients.

(Source: P.A. 91-106, eff. 1-1-00; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)