Morris Passes Measure Protecting Local Health Care Facilities and Safety Net Resources

SPRINGFIELD, ILL –State Rep. Yolonda Morris, D-Chicago, is increasing the scrutiny applied to the sale or discontinuation of services at county-operated nursing homes to ensure low-income and at-risk populations’ access to care.

“The abrupt closure of nursing homes throughout the state have put stress on local communities across the state by overburdening remaining facilities and getting rid of local jobs,” said Morris. “Before making such big changes, communities have the right to understand and prepare for the impact they will soon face.”

Morris’ House Bill 5537 requires county-operated nursing homes to provide safety net impact statements prior to the discontinuation of services or closure. Statements must include data such as the number of safety net accessible beds at the facility and the impact the changes have on the public interest. Morris’ bill comes in response to high-profile sales of county beds throughout the state that have left communities without enough beds for the chronically ill and disabled.

Morris’ bill received bipartisan support and is now in the Senate for consideration.

“As a health care worker, I saw firsthand how the pandemic and existing challenges rocked our state’s healthcare system,” said Morris. “After enduring all of these challenges, the time is now to take a more thoughtful approach to how we make big changes to the facilities that serve the most vulnerable among us.”