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Bill

HB 1332

HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CONTACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Maura Hirschauer and 7 co-sponsors

Illinois hospitals must establish procedures to collect and maintain emergency contact information for patients as of January 1, 2026, ensuring rapid family notification during medical crises.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0046
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Bill Summary · HB 1332

Legislative bill overview

HB 1332 requires Illinois hospitals to establish and maintain procedures for obtaining emergency contact information from patients upon admission or registration. The bill mandates that hospitals collect, update, and securely maintain this information to facilitate communication during medical emergencies or when patients are unable to make decisions independently.

Why is this important

Emergency contact procedures directly affect patient safety and family notification during critical situations. Clear hospital protocols ensure that loved ones can be reached promptly for medical decision-making, consent for procedures, and post-treatment care coordination—issues that become especially urgent during sudden hospitalizations, surgeries, or medical crises.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden and cost: Hospitals must develop new systems and train staff to standardize emergency contact collection, which carries operational expenses that may affect healthcare costs
  • Data privacy and security: Collecting and storing personal contact information raises concerns about data breach risks, especially regarding vulnerable patient populations
  • Clarity on enforcement mechanisms: The bill's specific penalties for non-compliance, inspection procedures, and oversight authority are not detailed in the summary provided

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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