Canty Public Safety Measure Cracking Down on Unfit Emergency Medical Service Professionals Signed into Law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — A public safety measure to ensure unqualified or inept emergency medical service professionals don’t continue to put Illinoisans at risk backed by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, was signed into law earlier this month.

“While the vast majority of Illinois’ healthcare professionals are committed and well-qualified to provide our communities with first-rate care, it’s a matter of public safety that the small number
who are not don’t remain in the medical system,” Canty said. “When experts in the public health system came to me with concerns about current methods for suspending unfit providers, it was clear action was needed. This measure will make our community safer, and help make sure Illinoisans get the healthcare we deserve.”

Canty is continuing her work to bring high quality healthcare to her community with Senate Bill 3134, a measure that requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to determine whether an emergency medicine professional’s immediate suspension applies to statewide participation in EMS services. Currently, while these medical professionals are being investigated for infractions, they can continue to work in EMS systems outside of the one which they have been suspended from, subsequently posing a challenge to public health.

This measure has the backing of the IDPH and the Illinois Firefighters Association. It received strong bipartisan support in the legislature and was signed into law earlier this month.

“Closing loopholes in the disciplinary system for EMS providers is an issue that affects everyone in this community,” Canty said. “My first priority will always be addressing anything that potentially puts the people I represent at risk. I’m proud to help crack down on that risk.”