The House unanimously signed off last week on a proposal intended to prepare hospitals for potential infectious disease outbreaks.

The bill from Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, tasks hospitals with developing and implementing comprehensive interventions to prevent and control pathogens of epidemiological concern.

It also establishes reporting requirements for hospitals with patients carrying pathogens of epidemiological concern.

“This commonsense change to hospital policy to align Illinois with medically recommended standards is the right step for public health preparedness,” 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.”

The plan heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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