SPRINGFIELD (AP) – A plan to completely revamp the scandal-clouded state board that reviews hospital construction contracts is one step closer to becoming law.

A Senate committee approved legislation Tuesday that would remove all nine members of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and replace them with a new five-member board appointed by the governor.

The new board members would be required to have expertise in health care matters and would be prevented from discussing plans with applicants.

The Health Facilities Planning Board came under scrutiny after recent reports indicated a federal whistleblower lawsuit filed under seal claims Chicago businessmen used ties to the board to try to secure business from Edward Hospital in Naperville.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich suspended all the board’s activities earlier this month.

Supporters argue the board needs a fresh start, but some lawmakers questioned whether the measure would go far enough to avoid future scandals.

“It seems like this is a flawed attempt to fix a terrible problem,” said Sen. Peter Roskam, R-Glen Ellyn.

The bill already has House approval and now heads to the full Senate. Blagojevich’s office has said the governor plans to sign it if it reaches his desk.