Kelly Strengthens Accountability for First Responders, Prioritizing Best Patient Care Tactics

CHICAGO— Legislation revamping the investigative process for field errors made by first responders is now law thanks to state Rep. Mike Kelly, D-Chicago. The new review system modernizes accidental and intentional error evaluation, creates a more experienced review board and ensures that, above all else, first responders are prioritizing patient care.

“Everyone makes mistakes, and that extends to first responders. We’re human and we make mistakes, but an error can mean life or death in our field,” said Kelly. “Accidents are bound to occur, so we have to have a procedure in place to investigate the error, discover the intention of the mistake and determine an adequate consequence or clearance for that first responder.”

Kelly led House Bill 4477 during this spring’s legislative session, requiring Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to establish an approved Just Culture Matrix. A Just Culture Matrix is a system designed to promote safety and accountability through clear and consistent evaluations of conduct. The system differentiates errors made unintentionally by first responders from those who intentionally make a mistake in the field. 

A revamped review board, the Local System Review Board, can reassess a first responder’s suspension status post-evaluation. The review board now includes an emergency department physician with EMS experience, and two members with the same profession as the individual being investigated.

“First responders work in high-pressure, chaotic settings,” said Kelly. “Clear regulation sets expectations for first responders and prioritizes their patient’s wellbeing, and an understanding of the clear and consistent evaluation conducted if a mistake is made.”

House Bill 4477 has been signed into law and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.