SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine proclaimed May 15, 2024 as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Day to recognize residents living from the disease and increase awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

“Over 50,000 Americans live with tuberous sclerosis complex, but others go without being properly diagnosed because symptoms go unnoticed,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “There is no known cure for this disease, and individuals must be informed if they are to be treated properly and make important decisions about their health.”

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and lungs. The disease is known to be the leading genetic cause for epilepsy and autism and is as common as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase awareness, sensitivity and compassion for those affected by tardive dyskinesia, State Senator Laura Fine led a resolution to designate May 5-11, 2024 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Illinois.

“People seeking treatment for a mental health condition are already experiencing personal hardships and may not realize their potential for developing tardive dyskinesia, which could further impact their emotional well-being,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is critical we understand what this condition means for an individual in order to best help them live with dignity and to give them necessary resources.”

Tardive dyskinesia is a condition characterized by uncontrollable movements affecting the face, torso and other body parts. This condition may develop after several months of taking certain medications to treat mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. Approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. experience symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.

SPRINGFIELD – To facilitate access to affordable health care services, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that will assist in the transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace.

“It has always been my aim to have our insurance marketplace reflect the needs of Illinoisans by providing accessible and affordable health care for all,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Establishing a state-based marketplace prioritizes the needs of our residents.”

Legislation passed last year established a state-based health insurance marketplace, allowing Illinois to offer affordable insurance coverage options. Illinois will complete the transition to the state-based health insurance marketplace by 2026.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to protect the health and safety of adults who are unable take care of themselves, sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine, passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Individuals facing unfortunate circumstances that prevent them from looking after their personal health should have immediate access to the health care assistance they need,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Connecting them to services and a care plan in a timely manner is essential to prevent self-neglect in the future.”

Senate Bill 2799 creates a screening procedure for cases of self-neglect among adult patients under the Adult Protective Services intervention program. If a patient is found to be a substantial health threat to themselves due to self-neglect, a provider agency must develop a case plan within 10 days and with the consent of the adult. 

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase patient safety at state run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine passed Senate Bill 857. This legislation increases the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) ability to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect.

“Since 2022, I have visited state-operated mental health and developmental disability facilities across the state to receive feedback and ideas on how we can protect our state's most vulnerable residents,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure continues that effort by giving the OIG additional tools needed to effectively prevent and deter abuse and neglect.”

Under current law, the Illinois Department of Human Services OIG is required to conduct annual unannounced site visits to all 14 state-operated facilities related to preventing, reporting, investigating and responding to abuse and neglect. Senate Bill 857 expands this preventative measure to give the OIG the ability to conduct targeted site visits to all community agencies in the state, which includes Community Living Arrangements (CILA) and Community Mental Health Centers. 

SPRINGFIELD – Promoting an environmentally conscious approach to hospitality, State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure out of the Senate to phase out the use of small, single-use plastic bottles in hotels across Illinois.

“According to researchers, by 2050, plastic could outweigh all fish in the oceans,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Personal products available in plastic bottles are common in hotels and pose immediate risk to our environment once they are thrown away. This bill puts our state on the path to being part of a solution by reducing plastic pollution.”

Senate Bill 2960 creates the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act, which requires hotels with 50 or more rooms to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan. 1, 2026, all hotels with fewer than 50 rooms are expected to make this transition.

SPRINGFIELD – In order to mitigate increased health risks associated with adults who are unable to take care of themselves, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that implements a procedure for developing a treatment plan suitable to the patient’s needs. 

“Although our state has made progress in advancing clinical care, we need to enhance procedures for protecting adults who may not be able to take care of themselves,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This legislation streamlines essential care to patients who unfortunately do not have the ability to care for themselves by ensuring they receive timely access to recommended services.” 

SPRINGFIELD –   One family’s tragic loss will help others in the future. Last fall, an Evanston family lost their son, Jordan while he was seeking treatment in a substance abuse treatment facility. Working with the family, the state and mental health care providers, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to require substance abuse programs and mental health facilities to better communicate and give a patient’s family or caretaker timely notice of the patient’s passing. 

“No parent or caretaker should have to wait days to be notified that their loved one has died while under the care of a treatment facility,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is essential that these facilities and programs have clear standards in place for sharing information with a patient’s loved ones.  No one should ever have to go through what Jordan’s family experienced.”

Under current law, a facility must provide verbal notice regarding a significant incident to the Department of Human Services within 24 hours. However, there is no mandate that requires a family member to be notified of a patient’s death within a specific timeframe.