Villa advances measure expanding access to telehealth services for students, nonresidents

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) will allow Illinois visitors and non-resident students to continue to receive therapeutic services via telehealth from an out-of-state certified social worker they have an established relationship with.

“Finding a therapist is a long and arduous process for many people,” Villa said. “This kind of care isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, and when a good match is found, we should make it as easy as possible for individuals to receive continued care.”

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Loughran Cappel moves legislation ensuring supermarket shoppers get every discount

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday that would ensure customers get a discount when supermarkets put products on sale.

“Right now, shoppers are only seeing the final price of an item that’s being scanned at the supermarket,” Loughran Cappel said. “This leaves customers often confused as to whether or not they received their sale price because the screen only shows the final price.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. 

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Simmons measure allows pharmacists to provide HIV testing, PrEP and PEP medications

SPRINGFIELD – To provide people more accessibility to take care of their sexual health, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to allow pharmacists to provide HIV tests and preventative medications to help reduce new HIV infections.

Simmons’ measure would allow pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order laboratory tests, and consult individuals related to HIV pre-exposure drugs (PrEP) and post-exposure drugs (PEP). Pharmacists would first have to complete an educational training course on the administration of tests and medications prior to being permitted to assist patients. 

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Crowe advances plan to offer genetic testing at no cost for women at risk for breast and ovarian cancers

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the detection process and determine hereditary risks for breast and ovarian cancers for women in Illinois, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) advanced legislation Wednesday to require insurance companies to cover the cost of genetic testing kits.

“Early detection through genetic testing is essential for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers,” Crowe said. “By offering genetic testing at no cost, Illinois would be on track to provide peace of mind to individuals who are at the most risk.”

Read more: Crowe advances plan to offer genetic testing at no cost for women at risk for breast and ovarian...