Subject to the requirement for public hearings as hereinafter provided, the Department shall develop and publish regulations intended to protect the health and safety of children attending camps and shall, when necessary, utilize the services of any other State agencies to assist in carrying out the purposes of this Act. These regulations shall include, but are not limited to, standards relating to water supply, sewage and solid waste disposal, food service sanitation, design of buildings, rodent and insect control, water and swimming hazards, first aid, and communicable disease control. In the event such regulations include provisions requiring physical examinations or inoculations for children or staff, the operator of a youth camp shall be permitted to grant exemption from physical examinations except those prescribed for the purpose of establishing freedom from contagious disease and exemption from inoculations when such exemptions are requested on the grounds of religious conviction.
     The Department shall hold a public hearing on all proposed rules and amendments. At least 20 days’ notice of such public hearing shall be given by the Department in such manner as the Department considers adequate to bring such hearing to the attention of persons interested in such rules and regulations. Notice of any such public hearing shall be given by the Department to those who file a written request for a notice of any such hearings. Hearings shall be conducted by the Director or a Hearing Officer designated in writing by the Director. Such rules and regulations shall be filed with the Secretary of State as a public record. The Department may, without public hearing, promulgate rules and regulations governing the procedure for hearings as provided in this Act.
     This Act shall apply to the State of Illinois and Departments thereof; however, the provisions in this Act for fees for licenses, and the provision for fine and imprisonment shall not apply to the State of Illinois, to Departments thereof.