The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code was amended to strengthen the powers of attorney for health care and declarations for mental health treatment.

The Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 is amended by changing section 122-1 (725 ILCS 5/122-1) to allow for petitions in the trial court for those imprisoned that can establish their participation in a felony was a direct result of post-partum depression or psychosis, or if no direct evidence of these mental states was presented at trial or sentencing.

On August 3, 2017, the Appellate Court for the Third District held that Tara S. had been denied effective assistance of counsel and reversed the judgment of the circuit court of Peoria County.

The Unified Code of Corrections was amended to ensure mental illness will be weighed in favor of withholding or minimizing a prison sentence.

The Illinois Public Aid Code has been amended by specifying that effective June 1, 2015, payments will be authorized for bed reserves in nursing facilities and mental health facilities that are at least 90% occupied and have at least 80% of their occupants being Medicaid eligible.

The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code is amended by providing rights to residents in private mental health facilities if said resident would otherwise be served by a state-operated facility. 405 ILCS 5/2-103.

The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act has been amended to provide guidelines for the disclosure of treatment and coordination of care (740 ILCS 110/9.4 new).

State lawmakers amended the Department of Human Services Act to ensure payments are received for services treating alcoholism, mental health, and substance abuse.

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Mental Health and Developmental Disability Code to allow for video conferencing during hearings held pursuant to the act. 405 ILCS 5/3-806.1.

Amendments to the Disabilities Services Act have charged the Department of Human Services with creating a new pilot program designed to show the reintegration possibilities of persons with disabilities who need short-term placement in nursing facilities.

On October 23, 2009, the Illinois Appellate Court, Fifth District, affirmed in part and reversed in part the decision of the Circuit Court of St. Clair County to grant defendant's motion to dismiss a complaint relating to the release of mental health records in a divorce proceeding. 

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (the department) recently adopted new rules creating a pilot program for Dementia Care Units in Supportive Living Facilities (SLF) across the state. 

Illinois lawmakers have amended the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act to allow for victims of a violent crime to submit impact statements in cases where the defendant has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Sections 4.3 and 70 of the Mental Heath and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act have been amended by the General Assembly. 20 ILCS 1705/4.3 and 70. Subsection (b) of Section 4.3, concerning "Site visits and inspections," has been changed by adding language providing that the Department of Human Services will establish a system of "regular and ongoing" on-site inspections "that shall occur at least annually." 

The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, 405 ILCS 5/1-100 et seq, has been amended to add a new section defining "Dangerous conduct," and by changing other existing definitions concerning a person's awareness of the need for treatment.