SPRINGFIELD – To expand access to hospice care, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that would increase the number of people hospice residences can serve and the number of licensed hospice locations per county.

“As someone who has cared for a loved one, I want to ensure health care is available for all residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Caring for people during the end of their life is not an easy job but it’s an important one.

House Bill 1117 would allow hospice programs that own or operate separate hospice residences to serve up to 24 people per location, rather than the current 20 people per location cap. Additionally, the measure would expand the number of licensed hospice locations per county from five to 16.

“Expanding access to hospice care would help address the increased need for hospice and palliative care as it has rapidly grown,” Loughran Cappel said. “We all want our loved ones to have the care they deserve.”

House Bill 1117 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.