As this bill originally provided a penalty for smoking in ambulances, that issue is dead for this year also. You will note in the following summary that some bills passed both chambers and are on the Governor's desk. He has sixty days to sign a bill after it reaches him. Watch future updates here to find out what happens. HB 298 Amendment to the Hypodermic Syringes and Needles Act was not called for a vote this spring in the Senate.
Plans are underway to call it in veto session.
979 Healthcare Worker Needlestick Injury Prevention Act was not called for a vote but will be reintroduced next session. INA took the lead on this initiative which calls for Illinois health care facilities to use safe sharps systems as called for in ASHA and CDC directives. INA made good progress in educating legislators about reducing needlestick injuries to RNs and other health workers. INA provided testimony in the Senate Public Health Committee where the bill was heard. Although the bill will not be called for a vote this year, INA will continue to educate legislators about the importance of this issue and reducing needlesticks.