Clinical psychologist licensure requirements to improve under Ventura measure

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the licensing process for clinical psychologists in Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura partnered with State Representative Nabeela Syed to advance House Bill 3373, which passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Life is unpredictable, and the job market can be challenging,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill allows students to complete the educational portion of required exams even if they face delays in securing a training residency.”

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Ventura measure to address student health insurance dependent coverage

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to expand access to health care while protecting affordability, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Hoan Huynh passed House Bill 1577 through the Senate on Thursday.

The legislation, which clarifies university participation in Illinois’ dependent coverage law, ensures student health insurance plans remain affordable and sustainable for those who rely on them most.

“Expanding health care access must go hand in hand with protecting affordability,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation supports the intent of the original law while making sure we don't unintentionally burden students with higher premiums. We’re committed to building a more inclusive health care system — one that meets people where they are, including our students.”

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Ventura measure advances to allow pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraception options

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman worked together to spearhead legislation through the Senate to expand the types of contraception pharmacists can dispense to include emergency contraception and non-hormonal options.

“By allowing pharmacists to prescribe all types of contraceptives, including non-hormonal options, this bill aims to improve access so that every individual can make the best choice for birth control,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Women come in all shapes and sizes so it only stands to reason that medication should be tailored to them as needed.”

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Ventura advances measure to address shortage of behavioral health practitioners

SPRINGFIELD – To address workforce gaps in the behavioral health care workforce across the state, State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Nabeela Syed to lead House Bill 3487 through the Senate.

“Our state’s rural areas continue to suffer due to a lack of mental health professionals,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Accurate and recent data can greatly assist in addressing the behavioral health care workforce needs we have in this state. When we know the totality of the situation, we can come up with better solutions, such as grants or improved training programs to help this essential field.”

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