Morris Passes Measures that Improve Access to Care for Patients

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Yolanda Morris, D-Chicago, a former Certified Nursing Assistant and huge proponent of improving healthcare, spearheaded two key bills that promote fairness and encourage growth for healthcare professionals while improving access to care and protecting patients in Illinois. 

“The ultimate goal is for all Illinois residents to prosper and in order for that to happen, their mental and physical well-being must be a priority,” Morris said. “People on the outside looking in are wrong – many of them believe that our vulnerable populations do not care about their well- being. The truth is that they do not have the resources that others have to primary care physicians. When I returned to Springfield this year, I wanted to put measures in place that increase access to primary care and specialized services for our underserved communities so they too, have the ability to take charge of their health.” 

Morris led the effort to pass two crucial measures, including allowing certified nurse midwives with full practice authority to enter into a collaborative agreement with an advanced practice registered nurse (House Bill 2688) and creating a tiered decision making system, distinguishing which investigations require paid administrative leave or reassignment based on offenses reportable to the Healthcare Worker Registry, and which do not (House Bill 3718).

House Bill 2688 takes vital steps to address the state’s maternal health crisis and improve access to care, cost savings and better patient outcomes while House Bill 3718 is necessary to ensure patient safety and protect vulnerable individuals, legal compliance, fair and efficient investigations and maintain a positive workplace culture. 

“As long as I represent my community in the House chamber, our most vulnerable populations will have a loud voice that advocates for the betterment of themselves and their families,” Morris said. “It is my mission to make sure that they have access to the same resources and treatment as every other population.”