Ventura opposes new DOC mail scanning rule

JOLIET – Amid ongoing discussions on how to address illicit substances coming into Illinois prisons by mail, State Senator Rachel Ventura criticized the Illinois Department of Corrections’ decision to electronically scan and withhold mail from incarcerated people.

“The way the emergency rule is being implemented by the Illinois Department of Corrections is a poorly thought out response that does not serve the needs of incarcerated people nor properly protect staff at our prison facilities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “DOC has dragged their feet every step of the way on addressing the illicit mail issue, and this latest decision was a rushed stopgap to a problem the legislature has been trying to solve for years.”

The legislative oversight panel formally objected to DOC’s decision to withhold mail from incarcerated people and instead deliver electronically scanned copies of external correspondence they receive. Several lawmakers had expressed their dissatisfaction with this direction via letter.

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Ventura law 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 on House Bill 3487, which was signed into law Friday.

“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.”

House Bill 3487 requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to request voluntary demographic and employment data — including primary language, anticipated retirement year and ZIP code — when individuals apply for or renew behavioral health licenses. The goal is to generate more accurate data to better understand and address service gaps across Illinois.

"The shortage of social workers, counselors, therapists and other caregivers that Illinois' mental health community has had to make up for – and Illinois mental health patients have had to live with – demands a strong response," said Syed (D-Inverness). "Without data, we can't make forward progress, and currently there is simply not enough information on behavioral health practitioners to accurately craft new approaches. I'm proud to join my colleagues in the Senate to work to correct that and ensure Illinoisans get the care they need."

House Bill 3487 was signed into law Aug. 15, and goes into effect immediately.

Clinical psychologist licensure requirements to improve under new Ventura law

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the licensing process for clinical psychologists in Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura partnered with State Representative Nabeela Syed on House Bill 3373, which was signed into law on Friday.

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

Current Illinois law requires applicants for a clinical psychologist license to complete a doctorate program and two years of supervised experience before sitting for the licensing exam. Now with the signage of House Bill 3373, the process will be revised, allowing graduates to take the initial exam before completing their postdoctoral training.

"By allowing clinical psychology students to begin their examinations earlier, we are streamlining the licensing process and getting qualified mental health professionals into the workforce sooner," said Syed (D-Inverness). "Our communities deserve reliable and affordable mental health care. Removing needless obstacles and inefficiencies during licensing is going to help make that happen."

House Bill 3373 was signed into law on Aug. 15, 2025 and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Simulation training added as viable medical education requirement under Ventura-backed law

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law led by State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Hoan Huynh, simulation training will be considered an approved form of continuing education for licensed health care professionals.

“As new and improved technologies continue to shape the medical field, simulation training offers an untapped opportunity to provide continuing education to medical students,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Allowing this type of training expands cutting-edge educational resources.”

House Bill 3850 allows simulation training provided by an approved sponsor to count toward a licensed health care professional's continuing education requirement, aiming to modernize professional education and help retain health care workers across Illinois.

Currently, simulation-based training for medical licenses is not required by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In an attempt to modernize current educational practices, the bill aims to add simulation training as an approved training tool for professional licensing, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning.

"Throughout the state and nation, we have a profound shortage of health care workers — from CNAs to doctors," said Huynh (D-Chicago). "Cutting red tape and offering new pathways to fulfill continuing education requirements will help more professionals stay in the field and continue to deliver the care our communities need."

House Bill 3850 was signed into law on Aug. 15, and goes into effect immediately.