This ILHIMA educational session provides a clear, HIM-centered overview of how a bill becomes law in Illinois and the essential role Health Information Management professionals play at every stage of the legislative process. Participants will learn how HIM expertise informs real-world policy decisions related to privacy, data governance, public health reporting, interoperability, reimbursement, and workforce development. The session highlights where HIM professionals can most effectively influence legislation—particularly during committee hearings—and offers practical strategies for advocacy, testimony preparation, and communicating HIM impact to policymakers. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to transform their professional knowledge into meaningful legislative action.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the step-by-step process of how a bill becomes law in Illinois and identify the key decision points that affect health information policy.
• Describe the unique role of HIM professionals in shaping legislation related to privacy, interoperability, documentation, coding, reimbursement, and public health reporting.
• Analyze how proposed bills may impact HIM operations, data governance structures, compliance requirements, and workforce expectations.
• Identify advocacy opportunities within the legislative process—especially during committee hearings—and develop strategies for delivering effective testimony or written statements.
• Apply HIM knowledge to real-world advocacy scenarios by evaluating sample legislation and determining appropriate actions for HIM professionals and ILHIMA members.

This presentation introduces health information and privacy professionals to Illinois’ state regulatory process, emphasizing how administrative rules evolve from early drafting through final adoption. Attendees will learn how to monitor and interpret regulatory activity published in the Illinois Register, particularly rules affecting health information management, patient privacy, and data governance. The session highlights key milestones in the rulemaking timeline and pinpoints when HIM and privacy leaders can provide meaningful input. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to proactively track, influence, and prepare for regulatory changes impacting their organizations.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the full lifecycle of the Illinois regulatory process, including drafting, publication, First and Second Notice, and final adoption.
• Understand how to effectively use the Illinois Register to track proposed rules, monitor regulatory changes, and identify relevant deadlines.
• Identify actionable opportunities for stakeholder engagement, including when and how to submit comments, interact with agencies, and participate in JCAR proceedings.

Illinois House Bill 1312, signed into law on December 9, 2025, establishes sweeping protections for immigrants across Illinois by limiting civil immigration enforcement at sensitive locations and creating new legal remedies for violations. The law includes the Illinois Bivens Act, the Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act, and the Health Care Sanctity & Privacy Law, each designed to safeguard constitutional rights, preserve access to essential services, and protect personal information. These provisions impact hospitals, day care centers, schools, universities, and courthouse environments, requiring organizations to adopt updated policies and procedures related to law enforcement interaction, privacy, and community safety.

This presentation will provide health information management professionals and organizational leaders with a comprehensive understanding of HB1312, its operational implications, and the responsibilities it introduces for healthcare facilities and related service areas.

Learning Objective

• Explain the Core Provisions of HB1312
  • Describe the purpose and scope of the Illinois Bivens Act, including the ability for individuals to take civil action when constitutional rights are violated during civil immigration enforcement.
• Identify Implications for Healthcare, Education, and Childcare Settings
  • Outline the requirements of the Health Care Sanctity & Privacy Law, including limitations on the release of protected health information and expectations for interactions with law enforcement agents in hospitals.
• Assess Organizational Responsibilities and Compliance Requirements
  • Identify policy updates required for healthcare facilities, including action plans, communication processes, and privacy protections.
  • Determine which staff roles must be involved in compliance (e.g., HIM, compliance officers, legal counsel, administrators).
• Prepare for Operational and Legal Impacts
  • Analyze how HB1312 affects risk management, data privacy, incident response, and interactions with law enforcement.
  • Develop strategies for aligning organizational procedures with the new statutory protections and reporting mechanisms.

This panel discussion will explore best practices, common pitfalls, and ethical considerations for health information (HI) professionals engaging in advocacy with legislators. Panelists will share real-world experiences and perspectives on effective communication, professional boundaries, and responsible representation of both individual expertise and organizational positions. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining ethical standards, respecting the legislative process, and understanding the professional responsibilities that accompany advocacy efforts at the state and local levels.

Learning Objective

• Identify appropriate do’s and don’ts when communicating with legislators on health information and healthcare policy issues.
• Describe key ethical principles that guide professional advocacy, including accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
• Distinguish between personal opinions and organizational positions when engaging in legislative discussions.
• Explain the professional responsibilities of HI practitioners when representing the profession in advocacy settings.
• Apply practical strategies for engaging legislators in a manner that is respectful, effective, and aligned with professional standards.