By JIM TALAMONTI
Illinois Radio Network
The Illinois Department of Public Health announces that a number of new laws and rules are now in effect that officials say are designed to strengthen the public health system in 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,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
One of the changes taking effect with the new year is a more stringent standard for public health intervention based on the results of testing of blood lead levels in children. Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code is to be tested automatically at 12, 24, and 36 months, and all children six years of age and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through a questionnaire administered by a pediatrician.
Under existing Illinois law, blood tests which come back with lead levels exceeding 5 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) require a public health intervention. Under the new rule approved in August, intervention will be required for any test result higher than 3.5 µg/dL. If lead is found, the inspector will work with the homeowner to remove the sources of lead.
Another measure, co-sponsored by state Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, and House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, expands availability and distribution of free fentanyl test strips to help people detect the presence of the dangerous opioid before consuming substances.
“The rise in fentanyl overdoses is a reminder that harm reduction efforts must continue,” said Ellman. “We cannot allow the death toll to rise because people lack access to protective resources.”
Two laws involve assisted living facilities in the state. One law requires that when a nursing home undergoes a change of ownership, the new owner and prior owner must work together to develop and submit a plan of care for residents. Another law requires assisted living facilities to submit plans for construction or major renovations for approval by IDPH prior to commencing construction.
Another law prohibits advertising or promoting electronic cigarettes that are designed to deceive parents, guardians, teachers or others into believing that the device is not a tobacco product.
State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, said some e-cigarettes are designed to look like school supplies, like highlighters, erasers and pencil sharpeners.
“This law will prohibit tobacco companies from pulling the wool over the eyes of educators and guardians whose job it is to keep kids safe,” said Morrison.
