(410 ILCS 540/5)

Sec. 5. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education Program.

(a) In this Act, "syndrome" means Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, a chronic neurologic syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch that, if untreated, results in permanent deformity and chronic pain.

(b) The Department of Public Health, subject to appropriation, shall establish the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education Program to promote public awareness of the syndrome and the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

(c) The program shall promote public awareness of the syndrome through written materials and other forms of communication designed to provide education about the syndrome.

The program shall distribute information that includes:

(1) the nature and possible causes of the syndrome;

(2) risk factors that may contribute to the manifestation of the syndrome;

(3) available treatment options, including the risks and benefits of treatment; and

(4) the availability of diagnostic, treatment, and support services in this State.

(d) The Department shall work with health care providers, local public health agencies, and other appropriate agencies to coordinate and promote professional education programs that will educate lawyers, judges,
arbitrators, and health care professionals about:

(1) current research about the syndrome;

        (2) the nature of the syndrome;
        (3) diagnostic procedures;

(4) medical and surgical treatment options; and

(5) the availability of diagnostic, treatment, and support services in Illinois