Fine law protects adults facing self-neglect

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine will put protections in place to ensure the welfare of adults who are unable to care for themselves.

“In the event an adult is facing difficulties with self-care, it is vital for them to be connected to appropriate services,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Adult patients experiencing cases of self-neglect will now have the assistance they need in order to maintain their physical health and safety.”

This law establishes 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.

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Fine backs budget improving access to quality mental health care services

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget including support for mental health care services to facilitate access to quality care in a variety of areas. State Senator Laura Fine, chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, released the following statement in response:

“As Illinois continues to make progress in reducing barriers to mental health care services, we must be sure to address access for our most vulnerable residents.

“Over the course of this legislative session, I have worked closely with mental health care experts and my colleagues to establish a budget that strengthens health care protections and improves policies. I am pleased to see investments in mental health services on college campuses and our local nonprofits like NAMI. Mental health care is an indispensable resource for everyone, and the budget demonstrates the importance of mental health in every community."

Fine to safeguard reproductive health care rights

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to ensure reproductive health decisions are protected against discrimination.

“Advancing access to reproductive health care services includes safeguarding an individual’s ability to receive such care without fear of discriminatory obstacles,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Making reproductive decisions is an autonomous act and should be given the respect and dignity expected of any other personal health care decision.”

While current law protects individuals from discrimination based on pregnancy – there are no existing protections against unlawful discrimination for individuals who exercise their reproductive health rights.

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Fine passes measure to protect workers from opioid overdose

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine championed a measure to mitigate the ongoing opioid crisis by expanding access to lifesaving resources at state agencies.

“Ensuring employees have necessary health care protections is important to prevent unanticipated risks and workplace liabilities,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By making resources like opioid antagonists available to trained workers, we are not only supporting opioid mitigation efforts, we are also saving lives.”

House Bill 5028 would make opioid antagonists available at state agencies upon successfully training the agency’s employees on how to properly administer the medication. The measure also protects employees from civil liability should they administer the overdose reversal medication in compliance with the required training.

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