Governor’s New EO Extends Telehealth Coverage and Immunities for Elective Surgeries; Other Civil Immunities Not Reissued
Still in response to COVID-19, Governor Pritzker signed
EO 2020-39 last week, which reissued the executive orders on telehealth (
EO 2020-09) and immunity for elective surgeries (
EO 2020-37), among others, through June 27, 2020. However, the new order did not
reissue the executive order for civil immunity for healthcare facilities, professionals and volunteers (
EO 2020-19), which expired May 29.
Here are highlights from the reissued EOs:
- Telehealth: All health insurers regulated by the Illinois Department of Insurance are required to cover telehealth services and reimburse health professionals at the same rates as in-person visits and are prohibited from imposing any cost-sharing for
in-network providers.
- Immunity
for elective surgeries: Hospitals that conduct elective surgeries or procedures beginning May 11, or healthcare professionals providing services in such a hospital, are immune from civil liability for any injury or death related to the diagnosis, transmission or treatment of COVID-19 allegedly
caused by the hospital or healthcare professional while rendering assistance to the State in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to review our detailed
resource, which further explains this immunity and covers how it also applies to cancelled procedures in hospitals, among other scenarios.
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email.