SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) passed significant health safety legislation out of the Senate today that will require skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities to designate an Infection Prevention and Control Professional.

"This legislation seeks to ensure the health and safety of our older citizens who reside in long-term care facilities and nursing homes," Steans said. "By having a professional on hand, these centers will be able to prevent the spread of disease that sometimes can be fatal for elderly adults."

House Bill 1096 mandates an Infection Prevention and Control Professional to be on hand to educate workers on infection control and prevention, monitor potential outbreaks of transmissible infections and implement procedures to control the spread of potential bacterial outbreaks. Many bacterial diseases are becoming drug resistant, with MRSA being a prime example. MRSA is a bacterial infection that is resistant to many antibiotics, leaving it difficult to treat.

"With strains of bacterial infections becoming more and more drug resistant, it is important now more than ever to prevent these outbreaks before they occur," Steans said.

House Bill 1096 passed the Senate on a 56-0 vote and now heads to Governor Quinn for his approval.