A new Illinois State law offers a more hands-on standard for public health intervention based on the results of lead levels in Children’s blood. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that 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. All zip codes within Marion County and neighboring counties are at high-level risk for lead.
Under existing Illinois law, blood tests that come back with lead levels exceeding 5 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) require a public health intervention. Under the new rule, intervention will be required for any test result higher than 3.5 µg/dL. Such interventions include a home inspection to determine the source of the lead contamination. If lead is found, the inspector will work with the homeowner to remove the sources of lead. There will also be a visit from a public health nurse who will educate the family on ways to protect children from the harmful effects of lead.
Marion County Health Department Administrator, Melissa Mallow, isn’t sure how many more cases they will receive with the lower lead level since right now they only receive information on children with higher levels.
Other new laws taking effect in the New Year include:
- SB 3115, sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Anna Moeller. 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.
- HB 5429, sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly and Sen. Laura Fine. Requires assisted living facilities to submit plans for construction or major renovations for approval by IDPH prior to commencing construction.
- HB 3521, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Sen. Karina Villa. Provides that the reporting requirements that apply to hospitals for cases of patient abuse by staff also apply to clinics or other health care providers affiliated with hospitals.
- HB 4667, sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller and Sen. Cristina Castro. Imposes new inspection requirements for mobile home parks and changes the fees for licensing mobile home parks.
- SB 2662, sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Camille Lilly. Prohibits advertising or promoting electronic cigarettes that are designed to fool parents, guardians, teachers, or others into believing that the device is not a tobacco product.
- SB 3350, sponsored by Sen. Laura Ellman and Rep. Tony McCombie. Expand the availability and distribution of free fentanyl test strips to help people detect the presence of dangerous opioids before consuming substances.
New Laws, Rules Impacting Public Health to Take Effect in 2025
