* SJ-R…

A bill signed into law last month may provide a much-needed reprieve for Illinois’ rural counties. The law, spearheaded by Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, will provide financial relief to physician’s assistants and advance practice nurses who work in rural areas around the state.

Rural areas, defined as communities and locations that aren’t part of a city, face a challenge in health care access.

While large urban counties have 87.1 primary care physicians per 100,000 people, Illinois’ 62 rural counties have 45.5 primary care physicians, according to a 2018 report from the Illinois Rural Health Summit, a project of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

“The fact is that if you look at health care statistics, we have some third world health care statistics in this country,” said Charles James, Illinois Rural Health Association president.

* Governor’s press office…

Governor Pritzker today signed Senate Bill 3617, omnibus legislation aimed at addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in Illinois and increasing access to high-quality mental health services across the State. The bill temporarily allows professional licensees out of practice for less than five years to reactivate their license with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The bill also seeks to expand behavioral health training, incentivizes the hiring of individuals in recovery from substance use disorder or mental illness, and makes it easier for advanced practice registered nurses to treat patients.

“We need a mental healthcare workforce that is robust enough to get people help when they need it—not after months on a waiting list,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am proud to sign this mental health omnibus bill—training, expanding, and diversifying our behavioral health workforce—into law. This legislation invests in mental health infrastructure—and that infrastructure is people. Our therapists. Our social workers. Our crisis counselors. There is nothing more important than investing in the people who support the health and wellbeing of Illinoisans.”

The Mental Health Omnibus legislation builds on the Pritzker administration’s commitment to improving access to critical behavioral health services across Illinois, demonstrated by efforts that include expanding telehealth parity from emergency to permanent, as well as the recent appointments of state Behavioral Health Officer David Jones and Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative Director Dana Weiner. The FY23 state budget, which takes effect July 1, 2022, includes a significant investment in mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services that aim to increase access to the behavioral health system in every region of the state.

The legislation removes barriers to those wishing to re-enter the mental health workforce, such as continuing education credit completion, passing additional examinations, and fee payments. Former license holder must be in good standing to have their licenses reactivated. Mental health professionals out of practice for less than five years may restore their license with IDFPR only once without providing more information to the Department.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic caused a spike in the need for mental and emotional support across the nation, BIPOC and rural communities faced greater disparities in accessing mental health care. Our administration has always been, and will always be, committed to fighting disparities and putting people first,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “And this legislation does that. Illinois is not only increasing the workforce in the mental and behavioral health field but expanding pathways for diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals to make a difference in their communities—especially ones that have historically been underserved and under-resourced.”

In addition, the measure enables advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to conduct any required psychiatric visits to patients in Special Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities, in addition to physicians.

The Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit is also created under SB 3617, which creates a program to provide tax incentives to qualified employers who employ eligible individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness. IDHS will work with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) to verify tax credit certificates issued to employers.

Additionally, the bill allows the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Mental Health to award grants or contracts to enhance training and supervision of behavioral health providers-in-training seeking licensure in specified fields. IDHS will oversee the application process; grants are subject to appropriations. Additionally, a 15-member Advisory Council will be established to advise DHS, examining mental illness and substance use disorder impacts on employment opportunities within minority communities.

* Sen. Simmons…

To make it easier for people to access HIV preventative care, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) championed a recently signed law to allow pharmacists to provide HIV tests and preventative medications to help reduce new HIV infections.

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

“This law will effectively cut down on wait times and provide life-saving care to thousands of Illinoisans,” Simmons said. “Doing so will especially help reduce new HIV infections among cisgender Black women, LGBTQ+ people, Latinos, and those who lack health insurance.”

Under the previous law, pharmacists in Illinois were not permitted to consult or assess individuals on HIV infections. Pharmacists were also not permitted to administer or dispense preventative medications without a prescription from a health care provider.

“Far too many people in Illinois lack regular access to a doctor,” Simmons said. “Increasing access to these medications through community-based pharmacies will save lives.”

It is believed this law will help reduce new HIV cases by up to 90% by 2030, according to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Biomedical solutions PrEP and PEP medications are up to 99% effective in preventing HIV when taken as prescribed, according to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

House Bill 4430 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect immediately.

* Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires’ Disease…

Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law legislation aimed at protecting senior citizens and other at-risks residents in Illinois from waterborne illnesses by requiring water utilities to notify healthcare and senior living facilities of water supply disruptions that could lead to water quality and microbial risks, such as legionella and other pathogens.

While water systems are generally well-managed, disruptions caused by water main breaks, flooding, construction, changes in water treatment, pressure and flow changes can dislodge biofilm in the distribution systems and release bacteria and contaminants downstream to high-risk populations. In required CDC reporting, Illinois typically reports 300 to 500 cases of Legionnaires’ disease annually.

Notifications from water utilities of disruptions as required under HB 4988 helps healthcare facilities to manage the water they receive and protect their occupants from waterborne bacteria such as legionella and other contaminants.

“This legislation is a great step forward in recognizing the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to preventing Legionnaire’s Disease,” said Brad Considine, the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires’ Disease Director of Strategic Initiatives.

“With the Illinois EPA’s recent updated utility water supply management guidelines, Illinois has positioned the state as a national leader in proactive water management and true prevention of legionnaires’ disease. The new law just signed by Governor Pritzker recognizes that disruptions in water systems can create greater risks from waterborne contagions and it creates an environment where water managers are communicating more closely with healthcare facilities to protect patients and residents.

“It is not the final solution to Legionnaire’s Disease prevention, but it is a significant step forward.”

House Bill 4988 has been signed in law as Public Act 102-0960.