TINLEY PARK – Insurers will be required to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors for minors under legislation supported by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) that was signed into law on Friday.

“It’s unfortunate that we cannot always pinpoint what will give our children an allergic reaction with the rise of so many different food allergies,” Hastings said. “What we can do is provide children with the necessary care they need when an unforeseen emergency strikes, and I’m proud to have supported legislation that will do that going forward.”

Epinephrine injectors deliver epinephrine to individuals experiencing a severe allergic reaction, curbing the negative effects of the allergen. Epinephrine works by narrowing blood vessels and opening lung airways, reversing the symptoms of a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

SPRINGFIELD – Pharmacists will be able to administer long-term mental health treatment to patients thanks to a new law introduced by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“We had to take action to ensure mental health treatments are available in a safe and efficient manner,” Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said. “Because there are sometimes cases that happen to be a bit more urgent, this law allows pharmacists to administer the treatment rather making those who need treatment wait around for an appointment with their primary care provider.”

SB 1715 ensures that pharmacists, in addition to physicians, would be able to administer long-term mental health treatments via injection efficiently and safely, as long as a prescription from a physician is present.

SB 1715 is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings released the following statement after the signing of legislation that would modernize Illinois’ infrastructure and provide the South Suburbs with new jobs.

“The South Suburbs will see some long-needed infrastructure repair under this capital bill. Our roads, bridges, schools will be renewed and local governments entities will see an extraordinary amount financial support to build new infrastructure for the 21st Century. From Markham and Matteson to Lockport and Joliet, our communities will undeniably benefit from this bill.