Hurley-Backed Measure to Improve Quality of Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Heads to Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To make the blood drawing process easier for individuals with autism, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, recently passed legislation to develop additional training for phlebotomists to implement when providing care to individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Routine medical procedures like blood work can cause individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to experience extreme anxiety,” said Hurley. “It is critical that phlebotomists have the necessary training to make the blood drawing process as simple and stress-free as possible for these patients.”

Hurley sponsored Senate Bill 1214, which passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, and now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.

“Blood work is often needed to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions,” continued Hurley. “It is essential that phlebotomists have the training necessary to ease the anxiety of patients with developmental disabilities to help ensure that these individuals have access to the quality health care they deserve.”

For more information, contact Hurley’s constituent service office at 773-445-8128 or RepFranHurley@gmail.com.