Illinois quick hits: Cyber Monday security tips; expecting mother discharge legislation

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Cyber Monday security tips

Government agencies are advising shoppers to shop safely on Cyber Monday.

The Illinois Department of Revenue encourages consumers to use strong passwords, stick to trusted retailers and monitor their accounts.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation urges shoppers to report fraud at ic3.gov.

Tips on how to spot scams can be found at fbi.gov/holidayscams.

Expecting mother discharge legislation

Democratic Illinois U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly has announced plans to introduce legislation that would urge hospitals to implement a safe discharge labor plan for expectant mothers.

Kelly’s bill is named for Mercedes Wells, a mother who was discharged from an Indiana hospital while in labor and then gave birth minutes later on the side of a road.

The discharge plan requires clinical justification for discharge, assessment of travel distance, an identified back-up hospital or birthing facility, verification of reliable transportation and documentation of patient understanding.

The bill also includes racial bias training for healthcare professionals.

More snow forecasted

More snow is expected across much of Illinois Monday and early Tuesday.

Chicago set a November single-day record with 8.4 inches of snowfall at O’Hare International Airport on Saturday.

Springfield broke a daily snowfall record with 8.9 inches, and Peoria set a Nov. 29 record with 5.2 inches.