SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will require hospitals to notify families about early intervention services if their babies are born weighing less than 2.2 pounds.
The Illinois Department of Human Services' early intervention program helps children with disabilities or developmental delays up to age three learn and grow. However, many families are unaware they are eligible for these services.
This law states hospitals must sign a written letter referring babies to early intervention programs if the child is sent to their neonatal intensive care unit.
"The problem is most of these eligible infants are not getting early intervention services, and this failure to connect eligible children born into NICUs is particularly striking," said Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville).
The legislation gained unanimous support in both chambers this spring.
"For many parents, not knowing what care your child might need can feel overwhelming, especially while in the NICU," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "Through this law, we are ensuring hospital staff provide important information about programs, such as early intervention, that can bolster parents' access to services."Â
House Bill 3327 will take effect July 1, 2026.
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