SPRINGFIELD – An initiative from State Senator Laura Fine to ensure reports of abuse or neglect in state-operated developmental centers are thoroughly investigated and addressed was recently signed into law. The legislation intends to address allegations of abuse at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois, where some staff members have been accused and charged with multiple accounts of abuse to patients.

“Residents and loved ones in state-run mental and behavioral health facilities are trusting their providers to not only provide high-quality treatment but to also offer them dignity and respect. We cannot allow violations of these basic human rights to occur without systemic change or justice for the victims,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative ensures employees who take advantage of people in the state’s care will face consequences for their actions, as well as employees who do not report this behavior from their colleagues, further protecting our most vulnerable from abuse and neglect.”

Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center serves patients living with mental and behavioral health concerns and/or developmental disabilities. Some former employees of Choate have been charged with and found guilty of physically or emotionally abusing patients, as well as obstructing official probes and lying to investigators about wrongdoing.

SPRINGFIELD – During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began utilizing mental health counseling via telehealth appointments. With many Illinoisans still benefiting from this form of treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to ensure these telehealth appointments will continue to be covered under Medicaid insurance plans even though COVID-19-related telehealth policies are expiring.

“Patients prefer telehealth appointments for a variety of reasons, including time-saving convenience or having the opportunity to get treatment from a specialist who is not locally available,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative will ensure Medicaid patients are still able to access this care with their insurance.”

Last year, the General Assembly passed a law that ensured private insurance policies would cover telehealth appointments for mental health visits just as they cover in-person appointments during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Senate Bill 1913 makes this expansion of telehealth coverage permanent under Medicaid as well. Like the previous law, this initiative would require telehealth services to be available without any barriers, such as requiring an in-person appointment before a telehealth service is available or imposing specific requirements for Medicaid patients to qualify for telehealth services.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s initiative to improve the 988 system in Illinois was signed into law on Tuesday. The measure institutes a task force which will build upon data collected over the past year to make improvements in the 988 hotline. This is the new number to call for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

“In its first year in operation, the 988 hotline has been lifesaving for countless Illinoisans in a mental health crisis,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “As the 988 system continues to grow, we want to make sure it continues to operate effectively so callers can get the best care possible. This task force will provide recommendations on necessary improvements to the 988 system.”

Last year, Illinois launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline, offering 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing a mental health-related crisis.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to eliminate hurdles patients with HMO health insurance policies face when seeking treatment by medical specialists was signed into law on Tuesday.

“It can be frustrating for HMO policy holders to wait for referrals before seeking the care they need,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “With this new law, patients will no longer have to use valuable time and money and jump through unnecessary hoops.”

House Bill 1186 allows patients with HMO health insurance policies to make appointments and receive care with in-network specialists covered by their insurance, eliminating the requirement to get a referral from a general practitioner. This allows patients with HMO policies to get the care they need in a timely manner.

House Bill 1186 was signed into law on June 27, 2023. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.