Health News Illinois: Public indoor vaping ban, other health laws take effect

Several new public health initiatives have gone into effect, including a ban on the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public places.

The law, which went into effect Jan. 1, adds those products to an existing ban on cigarette use in indoor public spaces or within 15 feet of a public entrance.

“We applaud the General Assembly and Gov. (JB) Pritzker for their leadership to ensure that public spaces in Illinois are safe, clean environments for everyone,” Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement.

The agency noted the ban is one of several new laws taking effect that impact Illinoisans’ health.

One of the laws creates a level of certification for hospitals providing treatment to stroke victims. Medical facilities that offer a higher level of care for stroke patients can seek the voluntary designation.

Another law allows pharmacists and retailers to sell fentanyl test strips, which are used to test substances for the presence of opioids. County health departments will be able to provide the test strips free of charge.

Other laws that went into effect Jan. 1 will increase the number and capacity of hospice residence facilities providing end-of-life care to patients and allow podiatrists with certain training to administer some vaccinations to adults, including influenza, tetanus and COVID-19 shots.

The department said a few of the new laws will require the development of additional rules for full implementation, with that guidance to be released “in the near future.”

Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital said Tuesday that services are now available at its adult hospital in Chicago.

The site will offer inpatient care for those 18 and older, with space for 101 adults. A partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program will open this spring.

Patrick Sanders, CEO of Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital’s adult treatment center, said the site will provide “life-changing care.”

“Our new hospital provides a full continuum of care for adults who need effective treatment for mental health and co-occurring substance use concerns,” he said.

The provider opened its hospital for children and teens in 2022.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services chose 11 providers last week to increase services for dementia patients in the Supportive Living Program for Dementia Care Settings.

The program aims to give seniors and persons with physical disabilities a more independent lifestyle and prevent or delay the need for nursing home care.

“We are proud to be able to further expand critical and specialized dementia care services to meet the need in several communities that will help improve the quality of life for our customers and their families,” Theresa Eagleson, then-director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, said in a statement last week.

Medicaid pays for a portion or all the medical care and services for eligible individuals. Residents are responsible for paying for their housing with Social Security or other personal income.

Providers have to become certified and operational within 180 days.

See the list of the chosen providers here.