Senate Passes ISMS-Supported Legislation to Create Family Recovery Plans

April 19, 2024

The bill aims to preserve the family unit in cases of substance-exposed infants

The ISMS-backed Senate Bill 3136 cleared the Illinois Senate late last week and has been sent to the Illinois House for consideration. This legislation would create a statewide, multidisciplinary task force to design a model for implementing Family Recovery Plans to help pregnant persons who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders. Establishing these plans are required by federal law.  

As you are aware, the leading cause of maternal mortality in Illinois is substance use disorder. Family Recovery Plans sets up medical treatment, recovery services and referrals to community agencies/resources for pregnant moms and their families.

Senate Bill 3136 would increase opportunities to preserve the family, an important step forward in addressing maternal mortality in Illinois. Overall, this proposal would promote the safety of pregnant and postpartum people, infants and children, and families.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director and ISMS member Sameer Vohra, M.D., J.D., M.A., recently announced that the Department’s $1.7 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year includes new funding for maternal health.