Grasse Passes Public Health Measure to Prepare for Potential Infectious Diseases

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, passed legislation through the House on Wednesday to update public health policy to prepare hospitals for potential infectious disease outbreaks.

“This commonsense change to hospital policy to align Illinois with medically recommended standards is the right step for public health preparedness, something I take very seriously,” Grasse said. “The medical professionals working in Illinois deserve a system that helps them do their jobs and continue to provide world-class healthcare to people across the state.”

House Bill 4977 makes a simple change to Illinois’ Hospital Licensing Act by including “pathogens of epidemiological concern” as a form of multidrug-resistant organisms. These pathogens are defined by a range of traits which indicate a propensity for rapid transmission, especially within healthcare facilities. It also repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act, which will now be covered by the expanded definition.

This legislation passed the House with bipartisan support, and will soon be heard in the Senate.

“Preserving the health and safety of our community needs a comprehensive approach,” Grasse said. “I’ve been working for a wide-range of bills to get more healthcare to every Illinoisan, and I’m helping craft a budget that supports hospitals and other health services as much as necessary. Up-to-date public health policies are another piece of the puzzle, and on Wednesday we made progress.”