SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand access to hospice care, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure through the Senate that would increase the number of people hospice residences can serve and the number of licensed hospice locations per county.

“Everyone needs to have access to the care they need, especially during their final months,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve taken care of a loved one and I understand the stress and exhaustion that comes with it, but it’s an important job that many of us will one day need.”

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.

“We can’t sit back and watch the shortage of hospice care workers continue to grow,” said Loughran Cappel. “This initiative would address the shortage while expanding access to hospice and providing the needed care people deserve.”

House Bill 1117 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.