Collins works to protect patients in nursing homes
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to combat retaliatory efforts from nursing homes on patients.
“Patients in nursing homes should not have to worry about retaliation for wanting better living conditions for themselves,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are making an effort to expand the definition of retaliation to fit actions that are interfering with residents’ quality of life and are in response to protected activities.”
Senate Bill 3559 would expand the definition of “retaliatory action” to include retaliation against residents of nursing homes in the form of reduced access to services, neglect, selective restrictions and other adverse actions that interfere with the quality of life and are related to their involvement in a protected activity.
Read more: Collins works to protect patients in nursing homes
Castro stands up for substance-exposed infants and their caregivers
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SPRINGFIELD – A new measure led by State Senator Cristina Castro to proactively address substance use disorders during pregnancy and safeguard maternal and infant health cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
“Compassion and support are crucial for upholding the health and wellbeing of all mothers and infants,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By establishing this task force, we can take a proactive stance to address substance use disorders during pregnancy and find ways to holistically support families with newborns.”
The bill is a response to recommendations from the Illinois Maternal Mortality Review Committee, as substance use disorders are a leading cause of maternal mortality in the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health found that the leading cause of pregnancy-related death from 2018 to 2020 was substance use disorder, which comprised 32% of pregnancy-related deaths.
Read more: Castro stands up for substance-exposed infants and their caregivers
Morrison to remove barriers to treatment of substance use disorders
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SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison is leading a measure to curb substance use disorders.
“People suffering from a substance use disorder deserve access to the lifesaving treatment they need,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I am committed to removing the barriers that insurance companies put in place.”
Recent studies have shown that most people who could benefit from medications for substance use disorders don’t receive treatment. In 2022, there were 3,261 opioid overdose fatalities in the state – more than twice the number of fatal vehicle accidents and homicides. Senate Bill 3741 would improve these statistics by increasing coverage of and access to treatment by prohibiting insurance from requiring prior authorization for the treatment of substance use disorders.
Read more: Morrison to remove barriers to treatment of substance use disorders
Peters advances bill to inform domestic violence survivors of housing rights
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters passed legislation through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to help more survivors of domestic and sexual violence know their rights and options for safe housing.
“This legislation will help more survivors understand their housing rights in Illinois,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By ensuring tenants are aware of their rights, we are empowering them to access the support they need.”
Senate Bill 3652 requires the Illinois Department of Human Rights to create a summary outlining the rights and courses of action for tenants and their household members who are survivors of domestic or sexual violence. This includes their rights to end a lease early, change locks for safety reasons and to access relevant housing protections.
Read more: Peters advances bill to inform domestic violence survivors of housing rights
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