(210 ILCS 50/3.21)
Sec. 3.21.
Hospital first responders.
The General Assembly finds that in
the event of
terrorist acts, especially those involving the release of biological agents,
bacteria, viruses,
or other agents intended to cause illness or injury, hospitals serve as first
responders in
diagnosing and treating the victims of those acts. As first responders,
hospitals are on the
front lines of the State's emergency management efforts. Given the increased
demands
for equipment, materials, and training associated with their responsibility as
first
responders in the event of terrorist acts, hospitals would benefit from
additional resources
to enable them to be better prepared to protect and aid the residents of the
State. In
awarding funds to support disaster preparedness by first responders, the
Department and
any other State agencies shall take into account the role of hospitals in being
prepared to
respond to emergencies or disasters.
(Source: P.A. 93-249, eff. 7-22-03.)