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Senators Fine, Bryant and Fowler remain vigilant on plan prioritizing Choate residents’ wellbeing 

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Thursday, May 23, 2024 09:42 AM
  • Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center
  • Oversight
  • Resident Abuse

choate 052324SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Laura Fine, Terri Bryant and Dale Fowler responded Thursday to a news investigation that uncovered abuse caught on camera at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois.  

“What has continued to happen at this facility is unacceptable,” said Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee. “Stronger oversight must be incorporated into the Choate transition plan to hold bad actors like this individual accountable so the state’s most vulnerable residents are kept safe.” 

Read more: Senators Fine, Bryant and Fowler remain vigilant on plan prioritizing Choate residents’ wellbeing 

Fine advances insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Friday, May 17, 2024 02:16 PM
  • Fine
  • HB 5643
  • at-home pregnancy tests

FineSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate that would require health insurance providers to cover prescribed at-home pregnancy tests.

“Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, like medications, should be covered by insurance for those who need them,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The purpose of this legislation is to reduce barriers to accessing necessary prescriptions and help patients obtain their tests.”

While at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter, prescribers require patients taking certain medications — like Accutane, a medication for severe acne — to take a monthly pregnancy test. For those who need pregnancy tests, Fine’s measure extends privacy to patients by allowing tests to be concealed in the same paper bags as other pharmacy prescriptions.

Read more: Fine advances insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests

Fine increases consumer protection from denied insurance claims

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 12:36 PM
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Consumer Protection
  • Fine
  • HB2472

Sen. Laura Fine

SPRINGFIELD – To increase transparency in health care plans and enhance consumer protections, State Senator Laura Fine advanced legislation that would clarify when an individual is able to challenge an insurance company’s decision to deny a claim.

“Those seeking necessary medical treatments, including those who already received a service, may be surprised when their health insurance refuses to pay for it,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Current standards for reviewing health care services and procedures may inaccurately and unfairly penalize patients, which can delay access to essential services.”

Health insurance providers may deny coverage or refuse to pay for a service, which is known as an adverse benefit determination. However, consumers are able to request an external review of this denial to evaluate its appropriateness. House Bill 2472 would clarify when a consumer can appeal a denial of benefits or request an external review.

“This legislation outlines a path to ensure consumers have access to affordable healthcare,” said Fine.

House Bill 2472 passed the Senate on Wednesday and heads to the Governor’s desk.

Fine resolution creates Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Friday, May 10, 2024 09:59 AM
  • Fine

FineSPRINGFIELD – 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.

Read more: Fine resolution creates Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day

Fine establishes Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Thursday, May 09, 2024 01:18 PM
  • Mental Health
  • Fine
  • SR735
  • Tardive Dyskinesia

Sen. Fine

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.

Read more: Fine establishes Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

Senate passes Fine legislation to expand access to health insurance with state-based marketplace

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Friday, April 19, 2024 11:13 AM
  • Fine
  • SB3130
  • Affordable Healthcare

Sen. Laura Fine

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.

Read more: Senate passes Fine legislation to expand access to health insurance with state-based marketplace

Fine advances measure to enhance treatment for adults facing self-neglect

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Friday, April 12, 2024 01:59 PM
  • Fine
  • SB 2799
  • self-neglect
  • screening procedure

fineSPRINGFIELD – 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. 

Read more: Fine advances measure to enhance treatment for adults facing self-neglect

Fine legislation to increase patient safety at mental health facilities passes the Senate

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Thursday, April 11, 2024 05:33 PM
  • Fine
  • SB 857
  • Patient Safety

041024CM0681 rSPRINGFIELD – 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. 

Read more: Fine legislation to increase patient safety at mental health facilities passes the Senate

More Articles …

  1. Senate approves legislation led by Fine to reduce excess plastic waste in the hotel industry
  2. Fine enhances treatment procedures for neglected adult cases
  3. Fine advances Jordan’s Law
  4. Fine convenes joint hearing to address shortage of behavioral health care professionals
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