Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced the implementation of several new laws and rules aimed at enhancing public health, effective January 1, 2025. These changes are intended to improve health outcomes across the state.

"The Illinois Department of Public Health is excited to see new laws and rules go into effect this New Year to improve the health of Illinois’s public," stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "We appreciate the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) in advancing solutions that protect our residents and make our Illinois communities healthier."

A significant update involves stricter standards for public health intervention based on blood lead level testing in children. Previously, intervention was required for levels exceeding 5 µg/dL. Under a new rule approved by JCAR in August, any result over 3.5 µg/dL will necessitate intervention. This includes home inspections to identify lead sources and educational visits from public health nurses.

Additional legislation taking effect includes:

- SB 3115: Sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Anna Moeller, it mandates collaboration between new and prior nursing home owners to develop care plans during ownership transitions.

- HB 5429: Sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly and Sen. Laura Fine, it requires assisted living facilities to seek IDPH approval for construction or major renovations before starting work.

- HB 3521: Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Sen. Karina Villa, it extends hospital patient abuse reporting requirements to affiliated clinics or healthcare providers.

- HB 4667: Sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller and Sen. Cristina Castro, it introduces new inspection protocols for mobile home parks along with revised licensing fees.

- SB 2662: Sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Camille Lilly, it bans misleading advertising of electronic cigarettes designed to deceive adults about their nature as tobacco products.

- SB 3350: Sponsored by Sen. Laura Ellman and Rep. Tony McCombie, it increases access to free fentanyl test strips for detecting opioids in substances.

These measures reflect ongoing efforts to address public health challenges within Illinois.