Morrison law to improve early diagnosis of fatal pediatric disease

SPRINGFIELD – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – also known as DMD – is a rare disorder, and severe if not caught early enough to be treated. State Senator Julie Morrison sponsored a law that will require all newborns to be screened for DMD.

“DMD is a devastating disease that tragically takes the lives of children far too soon,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law will increase newborn screening and early intervention for this rare but fatal disease.”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder caused by a change in the dystrophin gene affecting about 20,000 babies each year worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle, which results in deterioration of the skeletal, heart, and lung muscles. Because the dystrophin gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects males, while females are typically carriers.

By the time the symptoms of DMD are detected, it is typically too late to treat. Additionally, it takes 2.5 years on average to diagnose after caregivers first notice symptoms – giving parents little to no time to receive help for their children. Senate Bill 2658 will require each newborn to be screened for the disease, giving those diagnosed the ability to receive effective treatment.

“Early diagnosis allows for the highest chance of survival,” said Morrison. “This law will save precious lives.”

Senate Bill 2658 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

Morrison law gives health care providers a new resource to honor patients’ care preferences

SPRINGFIELD – To help physicians meet their patients’ wishes, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a law creating a state electronic registry to store treatment preferences for critically ill individuals.

“The type of care a person desires is very personal,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law recognizes that everyone’s individual wishes should be a priority when it comes to health care.”

Senate Bill 2644 – signed into law last week – establishes a statewide electronic registry through the Secretary of State that will contain Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms, which detail what type of medical treatment a patient does and does not want. POLST forms can help health care practitioners uphold a person’s wishes regarding their care.

In the past, POLST forms could only be maintained in hard copy or electronic format. Morrison’s law establishes a single location to hold all POLST forms, making them easily accessible to qualified health care providers throughout the state.

“A statewide registry that is available to all health care institutions and providers is the best way to make POLST forms accessible when needed most,” said Dr. Julie Goldstein of the Illinois Practitioner Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment Committee. “Access to POLST forms allows providers to honor the medical decisions of all Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2644 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Morrison law to improve diversity of clinical cancer trials

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a law to bring more diversity to clinical cancer trials.

“Increasing the diversity of those participating in clinical cancer trials will have a positive impact on the ability to study how the trial treatments might affect a wider segment of the population,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law will pave the way for higher participation from historically underrepresented communities.”

Under the new law, the Illinois Department of Public Health will work with the University of Illinois and other relevant organizations to conduct a study examining what demographics are currently underrepresented in clinical trials, identify barriers to participation and pinpoint ways to improve outreach to these communities. IDPH will report the findings of this study to the General Assembly by July 1, 2026, as well as establish a website with relevant information from the study.

“This law is one of many I have championed to improve cancer treatment and research,” said Morrison. “Cancer fatalities have fallen in the past 30 years and I am committed to continuing that downward trajectory.”

House Bill 5405 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Morrison law to improve coverage for cancer screening

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law to require insurance companies to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer.

“Taking preventative measures will save lives and is more cost effective than treatment,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The most efficient way to tackle the deadly effects of cancer is early diagnosis.”

Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered as long as the patient meets the age requirement. Senate Bill 2697 will expand that coverage to include prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the deadly disease. Additionally, insurance companies will be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.

“Susan G. Komen believes individuals should have access to all the information needed to make informed decisions about their health care,” said State Policy and Advocacy Manager at Susan G. Komen Alimyon M. Allen. “SB 2697 ensures patients have access to comprehensive genetic testing to better understand their lifetime risk of cancer as well as coverage for recommended screenings based on the results of the testing.”

Senate Bill 2697 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.