A disparity in access to information about early intervention services is getting an overhaul in Illinois with the amendment of the state’s Hospital Licensing Act.
Infants who have a birth weight less than 1 kilogram — approximately 2 pounds — qualify for early intervention services until age 3. These services include occupational, physical and speech therapy.
Illinois lawmakers introduced the bill following reporting from The Hechinger Report, which found hospitals often fail to inform parents about these free services after NICU discharges. While an estimated 13% of infants qualify for early intervention, only 1% receive the services, according to the report.
The law takes effect in January. By July 2026, the state’s Department of Early Childhood must create informational materials to explain that severely premature infants automatically qualify for early intervention services.
Illinois hospitals will be required to distribute these materials and ensure a nurse or physical therapist reviews the information with the infant’s parents or guardians.
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