Collins Passes Legislation to Expand Healthcare Services During a Public Health Emergency

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –  To ensure all residents of Illinois are able to receive proper medical care during a public health state of emergency, state Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), sponsored legislation to ensure healthcare services are offered to all people regardless of race, sex, gender, location, age or any other personal factor.

“As a previous healthcare worker, I understand how important it is to provide the very best care to patients,” said Collins. “We see throughout the country and world that medical bias is real. Whether it is based on an individual’s gender, race, age, income, sex or whatever it may be. As a legislator, it is my goal to knock those barriers down so all residents are receiving the very best care possible.”

Collin’s legislation, House Bill 3155, recently passed the floor and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. The legislation amends the Medical Patients Right Act to require all patients receive individual based assessments during a Public Health Emergency. The bill also states that all patients eligible for care will receive the care regardless of their age, race, gender, quality of life, income, place of residence and any other factor out of the control of the patient. 

“Every person, regardless of any factor in their life, deserves to have the best possible healthcare,” Collins said.  “From my work as a healthcare worker to being an organizer for the SEIU Healthcare Union and now in my role as a legislator, I will continue to make sure affordable and accessible healthcare is provided to all residents of Illinois.”