ILLINOIS (WTHI) – New laws and rules are taking effect all across the nation, and some of them have an impact on your health.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, several new laws of that nature are now in effect in the state.

One important change has to do with childhood lead testing.

Under the new rule, intervention is required when blood tests come back with lead levels exceeding 3.5 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter).

Such a response will look like a home inspection to determine the source of the lead contamination. If lead is found, the inspector will work with the homeowner to remove it. There will also be a visit from a public health nurse who will educate the family on ways to protect children.

Other key laws taking effect are below:

• SB 3115, sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Anna Moeller. Requires that when a nursing home undergoes a change of ownership, the new owner and prior owner must work together to develop and submit a plan of care for residents.

• HB 5429, sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly and Sen. Laura Fine. Requires assisted living facilities to submit plans for construction or major renovations for approval by IDPH prior to commencing construction.

• HB 3521, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Sen. Karina Villa. Provides that the reporting requirements that apply to hospitals for cases of patient abuse by staff also apply to clinics or other health care providers affiliated with hospitals.

• HB 4667, sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller and Sen. Cristina Castro. Imposes new inspection requirements for mobile home parks and changes the fees for licensing mobile home parks.

• SB 2662, sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Camille Lilly. Prohibits advertising or promoting electronic cigarettes that are designed to fool parents, guardians, teachers, or others into believing that the device is not a tobacco product.

• SB 3350, sponsored by Sen. Laura Ellman and Rep. Tony McCombie. Expandsavailability and distribution of free fentanyl test strips to help people detect the presence of the dangerous opioid before consuming substances.