Illinois Gov. Pritzker signs law improving access to mental health services

CHICAGO - Illinois is taking a step towards addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in the state.

Governor JB Pritzker signed a mental health omnibus bill Friday that he says invests in people.

The legislation improves access to critical behavioral health services. It also removes barriers for those wishing to re-enter the mental health workforce by waiving reactivation fees for professional licenses that expired within the past five years.

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According to the National Institute on Mental Health, there are an estimated 52.9 million adults with mental health illness.

"We need a mental health care workforce that is robust enough to get people the help when they need it, not after months on a waiting list," Pritzker said.

The governor also signed bills expanding insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings and access to HIV and aids related care and prevention.