Patients, clients to be protected from sexual abuse in state’s health care system under Villanueva law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a new law that will implement stricter, mandatory reporting requirements when a patient or client experiences sexual abuse or misconduct perpetrated by a licensed health care professional.

“Being assaulted or exploited doesn’t only cause physical harm, but it also leads to severe, long-lasting emotional turmoil and often times completely eradicates that patient’s trust in our health care system,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Health care professionals across this country take an oath to do no harm, so when a doctor, nurse, practitioner, clinician or any other professional takes advantage of their patient, they must be swiftly brought to justice.”

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Villa law expands scholarship opportunities for school social workers

 SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, aspiring school social workers will have expanded opportunities to receive a scholarship.

“Expanding opportunities for people pursuing their education and licensure is critical to address the current shortage of behavioral health providers, especially in schools,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “With the rates of anxiety and depression in young people on the rise, ensuring more capable professionals become school social workers is essential.”

House Bill 5460 will expand scholarship opportunities for school social workers by allowing School Social Worker scholarships awarded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to be used at private, not-for-profit institutions in addition to public universities. 

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Peters law to bridge gap between mental health crisis and treatment

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters spearheaded a law that will allow for quicker and more accurate screenings of mental health crises during emergency calls, ensuring those in need receive dedicated trauma-informed care. 

“By allowing specialized response teams to intervene in delicate situations, the state will be taking a more direct response to community safety,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is about reducing trauma during mental health crises and ensuring those in need are met with informed, empathetic care.”

Peters’ law will ensure Public Safety Answering Points are in compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act – which connects 911 callers with behavioral health crisis care when appropriate. PSAPs are 24/7 call centers, often operated by local government or law enforcement, designed to receive 911 calls and route them to the appropriate emergency services – serving as a primary first-point-of-reception for emergency calls. 

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Villivalam law allows rideshare drivers to unionize

SPRINGFIELD ─ A new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam’s will allow rideshare drivers, such as those who drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, to unionize.

“Rideshare drivers are the back-bones of our communities, getting our neighbors to their job, school or doctors’ appointments,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “So many of our residents rely on rideshare drivers – meanwhile those driving are facing decreased wages, increased vehicle costs and unfair working conditions.”

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