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.”

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 passed the Senate on Thursday.