Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

I would like to announce that the Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a new website that will be an important resource for healthcare consumers across the state.  The catalyst for this initiative was a forward thinking Senator by the name of Barack Obama who worked with his fellow democrats including myself, Senator Jacqueline Collins and Senator Susan Garrett to ensure that hospitals across our state are held accountable to consumers. 

The purpose of this site is to provide in-depth details to the public regarding nurse staffing levels, infection prevention measures and hospital acquired infections data so everyone could have the most accurate information when choosing a hospital or surgical center to receive care at.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has been collecting this data since 2003 when the Legislature passed a law which required all Illinois hospitals to report pertinent data back to them.

Everyone should have the right to access information about the quality of health care provided in Illinois. This Web site can help you to become a more informed consumer and to make better health care choices.  This site will allow people to search for information on local and regional hospitals, including information on prices of procedures and how consumers rate the facilities' care.

You are encouraged to use this information to facilitate discussions with your family and health care providers about your specific needs and treatment options.  Due to differences in the severity of illnesses treated, measuring quality of care is not an exact science.  However, every effort has been made to provide the most reliable data for the quality measures currently available.

Additionally, you can access

• volume and cost of services in hospitals and ambulatory surgery treatment centers,
• quality and safety data,
• nurse staffing data,
• patient satisfaction surveys,
• summaries and links to Illinois laws that ensure consumer protection.

To access this website please visit http://www.healthcarereportcard.illinois.gov/ or you can find a link to the site through the State of Illinois website www.illinois.gov.

This site will continue to grow as the department compiles new information and implements regular updates; your comments and suggestions for improving the site are always welcome.

During my first term in the General Assembly creating new jobs and promoting environmentally friendly businesses has been a top priority. My first year in office I was chief sponsor of a measure allowing schools and community colleges to own and operate wind farms that directly reduce energy costs for taxpayers. The following year we expanded that legislation to cover counties and municipalities.

Read more: Investing in Green Jobs

State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D - Chicago) was recently honored by the Illinois Press Association for his efforts to provide sunshine on Illinois government.

The Illinois Press Association Legislative Service Award is given to individuals who have shown a commitment to the principle of transparency and the protection of first amendment rights.

“I’d like to thank the Illinois Press Association for this honor and I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to make government more transparent,” said Raoul.

Read more: Raoul Honored by Illinois Press Association