IDPH Strategic Plan Release

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently released its "5-Year Strategic Plan," a series of recommendations to enhance the state's emergency preparedness and response systems. While the majority of the proposals outlined will necessitate either legislative or regulatory changes prior to implementation, the state's budget challenges make it uncertain which recommendations IDPH will be able to pursue in the next five years.

In 2007, after the American College of Surgeons reviewed Illinois' EMS and trauma systems, IDPH convened more than 100 EMS and trauma professionals from across the state to develop strategic recommendations for improvement. These stakeholders met for over two years and this spring submitted to the Department written recommendations and a timetable to advance the state's emergency response functions.

IDPH conducted an internal review of stakeholder recommendations and last week issued a revised, final, strategic plan. Key proposals of its "5-Year Strategic Plan" include:

Increasing IDPH's administrative share of trauma funds from 2.5% to 25%;
Requiring all hospitals to pursue designation as a Level I-IV trauma center;
Imposing new hospital fees and penalties to support a statewide trauma system;
Implementing accountability for hospital use of trauma funding;
Considering modifying or eliminating EMS hospital bypass; and
Eliminating individual trauma center waivers which provide flexibility in meeting designation requirements (i.e., physician specialty and coverage).

In anticipation of legislative or regulatory activity, IHA and MCHC formed a membership group this summer, chaired by David Schertz, CEO of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. The task force is exploring and developing policy positions on the plan's recommendations, and has expressed concern with several of the Department's proposals. The IHA/MCHC Joint Task Force on Illinois' EMS & Trauma Systems is scheduled to meet on October 6, and has extended an invitation to IDPH to participate.

IHA will keep members informed of developments as the Department moves forward.

Staff Contact: Bridget McCarte 630.276.5843