The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced Monday new Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) Mental Health Reporting System requirements as part of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (PA 98-063).

IDHS plans to raise awareness of the new law that took effect on July 9, 2013, that requires a variety of clinicians and other health professionals to report patients who they believe pose a “clear and present danger” to themselves or others.

The definition of “clear and present danger” has been clarified and the number of health professions required to report has been expanded under the new law.

“We are partnering with our sister state agencies and many statewide associations and others to ensure that clinicians and facilities understand the importance of the new reporting requirements,” IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler said.

The Illinois FOID Mental Health Reporting System is an online system administered by IDHS. It collects information on persons in Illinois who have been declared in court to be mentally disabled, admitted to an inpatient mental health facility within the last five years, those determined to be a “clear and present danger” to themselves or others, or those determined to be developmentally disabled.

The system mandates clinicians, mental health facilities and qualified examiners, such as social workers, registered nurses, and family therapists, to report persons who meet any of the above criteria to IDHS within the time frames set forth in the law.

To learn more about the Illinois FOID Mental Health Reporting System, go to https://foid.dhs.illinois.gov/foidpublic/foid/.