SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help serve patients in rural areas at a time of shortages of physicians and more patients seeking health care state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, advanced legislation Wednesday to bring a multi-state agreement to Illinois, helping doctors safely and transparently practice medicine in multiple states.
"Many areas of Illinois have little access to healthcare, and this bill will help those areas attract doctors from cooperating states to help those patients receive the high-quality care they deserve," Smiddy said. "Illinois joining the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact will give families and seniors in our towns access to more methods of care in a safe and transparent way."
Smiddy introduced House Bill 3680 to add Illinois to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, allowing doctors to practice medicine here and in multiple states. The agreement will help expand access to healthcare, especially in rural areas which are often underserved. The compact will also help state share information regarding doctor performance and any ethical concerns to help protect patients.
