|
 |
Illinois 31st State Senate District
Bond Helps Pass Legislation Promoting Freestanding Emergency Centers
Tuesday February 16, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, IL— State Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) helped sponsor and pass legislation last week that would amend the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act.
Senate Bill 321 declares that the Department of Public Health is permitted to issue an annual Freestanding Emergency Center license to any facility located in a county that does not have an acute care hospital. Freestanding emergency medical facilities are typically developed to improve access to emergency medical care for residents in a given area.
“Too many times there are unfortunate circumstances and people don’t survive their ambulance trip to the hospital because of traffic, or the location is simply too far away,” said Bond. “This legislation will allow healthcare to push forward and be more readily available to everyone.”
The legislation requires the Freestanding Emergency Centers be applied for and contains requirements and standards set aside by the Department of Public Health.
The legislation is a recommendation of Vista Health System. Vista Health Center filed a letter of intent with the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, stating that the establishment of such Freestanding Emergency Centers would extend the geographical boundaries of their Center in Lindenhurst, improving access to emergency services for residents of northwestern and north-central Lake County.
“I am proud to be a part of this legislation and confident in the success it will bring, “said Bond. “Vista Health System has been a great help in aiding a process that will surely increase the number of lives that can be saved.”
###
Return to Main
|
 |
 |
