Full practice authority for advanced practice nurses is now law under legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago).

House Bill 313 also extends the sunset of the Nurse Practice Act, which governs the three nursing licenses in Illinois, until Jan. 1, 2028.

“With the increasing shortage of doctors in rural areas, this new law seeks to provide patients with greater access to care,” Steans said. “Advanced practice nurses that meet the full practice authority certification requirements will now be able to prescribe medication and administer local anesthetics. This law updates an outdated system and recognizes the skills that many advance practice nurses possess.”

The new law includes extensive safeguards to protect patients. To obtain full practice authority status, advanced practice nurses will be required to complete 4,000 hours of clinical experience and 250 hours of continuing education or training. Once this has been completed, advanced practice nurses will be able to practice without a written collaborative agreement from a doctor.

Illinois joins 21 other states and the District of Columbia, which already authorize full practice authority for advance practice nurses. The law takes effect immediately.

State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on today’s school funding vote:

“My vote today was a vote for compromise on a historic school funding reform measure. This legislation needed support from both parties in order to pass, and as such, some concessions needed to be made. Though I do not support voucher programs or the tax credit scholarships in this bill, at the end of the day, this measure would implement an evidence-based school funding model that supports every school district in the state.

“This legislation would provide even more funding for Chicago Public Schools than Senate Bill 1 and it would deliver pension parity for Chicago. It also includes the funding necessary for schools to remain open for the entire school year. This is a good deal for Chicago schools.”

Starting in January of 2018 Illinois will have additional safeguards against hate crimes under a new law sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago).

The governor signed House Bill 2390 on Tuesday, which expands the definition of a hate crime to include transgressions that are committed on the grounds of a place associated with a particular religion, not just inside a church, synagogue or place of worship.

“This legislation is designed to send a strong message that we will not tolerate hate crimes in Illinois,” Steans said. “Individuals who deface the grounds of a religious facility will now be held accountable for their actions.”

The law removes the $1,000 restitution cap and allows courts to impose fines that are commensurate with any injury or damages caused. Courts also will have the discretion to award punitive damages. In addition, parents and legal guardians now will be held liable for any damages caused by a minor under the law.

“With recent events in Charlottesville and across the nation, now more than ever it is important to cement the rights and protections of religious organizations into law,” Steans said.

Under a new law sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), social service providers will have at least 30 days’ notice of a change in contracts with the state.

House Bill 3110 allows authorized social service providers and the state to terminate, suspend or reduce a contract for any reason as long as the other party is provided with 30 days’ notice.

“Immediate contract changes can create an immense financial hardship for social service providers and those they serve,” Steans said. “In the aftermath of the budget impasse, I felt it was important to increase protections for social service contracts and afford providers with more notice so that they can better prepare for financial changes in the future.”

House Bill 3110 also requires state agencies to provide 45 days’ written notice to the governor and legislative leaders if it intends to change a contract because of either a reduction of funds or a failure of appropriation.

“This gives the legislature time to act to prevent reductions of services if they so choose,” Steans said.

This legislation only applies to non-governmental social service providers. It takes effect immediately.