Grasse Measure for Fiscal Responsibility Reforms in Department of Corrections Palliative and Hospice Healthcare Signed into Law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – A measure raising palliative and hospice healthcare cost reporting requirements in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), led by state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, was recently signed into law.

“Palliative and hospice care in our corrections system is vital, but it too often goes overlooked. At a time when federal funding cuts demand that we look carefully at how we use taxpayer dollars, we need better information to make smart, responsible reforms,” Grasse. “Right now, we do not have a clear picture of end-of-life care costs in Illinois correctional facilities, and those costs can vary significantly. Collecting this data is a common-sense, fiscally responsible step that will help us identify opportunities for more consistent, compassionate and efficient care.”

Continuing her push for smart reforms that promote fiscal responsibility, Grasse sponsored House Bill 4665, which requires the IDOC to include the costs of end-of-life care for people who die of natural causes without hospice or palliative programs in its annual report data. This requirement is an expansion of the Eddie Thomas Act, which requires the IDOC gather and post online other health data on palliative and hospice care for incarcerated individuals.