A proposal moving in Springfield could require Illinois to establish data collection standards to save lives, promote equitable health outcomes and ensure quality healthcare for all.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A proposal moving in Springfield could require Illinois to establish data collection standards to save lives, promote equitable health outcomes and ensure quality healthcare for all. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wants to create a new state board to review and report data on illnesses, treatments and causes of death in Illinois.

Simmons told the Senate Public Health Committee Tuesday it is important for Illinois to see health outcomes broken down by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and language.

"This legislation is modeled after health boards that were just created in California, Florida, Vermont and a number of other states," Simmons explained. "Really, it's for communities that have historically been underserved and lack access to equitable healthcare and have greater risk of succumbing to sickness and disease."

The Health Outcomes Review Board could provide annual data to the Illinois Department of Public Health, healthcare providers, and the General Assembly. Simmons noted that data coordination, analysis and reporting can help identify and address disparities in healthcare. 

"Whether it's the unacceptable life expectancy gap for African American and Latine communities, disparities in quality of health insurance coverage for low-income households, or inadequate access to follow up and specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and recommend improvements," Simmons said.

Senate Bill 3751 passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee on a 6-2 vote. The plan now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

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