Villivalam law to safeguard residents from use of AI in mental health treatment

SPRINGFIELD — As artificial intelligence continues to become more widely used, State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge with a new law ensuring those seeking mental health treatment are safeguarded from loopholes allowing AI in health care.

“It is imperative that we provide our communities with the critical mental health support they need and are seeking,” said Villivalam. “By setting guidelines for the use of AI in mental health treatment, we are investing into the well-being of communities, the quality of care they receive and the standards we hold our mental health care professionals to.”

Read more: Villivalam law to safeguard residents from use of AI in mental health treatment

Turner: We put patients first here in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, will be covered by insurance companies under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans that burden people,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Patients’ health needs to be the top priority for insurance companies, not lining their own pockets.”

House Bill 1141 requires private insurers and all state group health plans to cover medically necessary anesthesia services, regardless of duration, for any procedure covered by the policy. 

Read more: Turner: We put patients first here in Illinois

Equine therapy will be more accessible under Murphy law

SPRINGFIELD – Medically necessary equine therapy will soon be covered by health insurance thanks to a law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“There are many effective forms for therapy, but insurance roadblocks and cost barriers often leave patients without access to the care they need,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Equine therapy can support mental health and emotional growth, and soon it will be available to individuals who could benefit from this treatment but couldn’t afford it.”

Equine therapy encompasses therapies that involve interacting with horses, including specific therapies used by physical, occupational and speech therapists to engage different sensory responses for patients. It has shown positive effects for people living with PTSD, autism and many other conditions.

Read more: Equine therapy will be more accessible under Murphy law

Villa law addresses congenital syphilis cases

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Karina Villa will address increased congenital syphilis cases in Illinois.

“This law upholds best practices to mitigate the alarming trend of rising congenital syphilis cases across Illinois,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “We must continue to support the health and safety of an expecting parent and their child every way we can.”

The law requires the second syphilis test conducted on pregnant individuals to be done between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to ensure treatment can begin at least 30 days before delivery. The law also expands authorization to administer the test to health care professionals who are qualified in addition to physicians.

Read more: Villa law addresses congenital syphilis cases