DeKalb Times

Bradley Fritts, a House Representative of the Illinois House of Representatives, emphasized the need for unity and collaboration during a House committee hearing on October 3rd. Speaking at the House Labor & Commerce, Health Care Licenses committee, Fritts highlighted the interconnectedness of patient care quality, healthcare workers, and hospital finances.

Fritts began by asking those present to show their concern for patient care quality, healthcare workers, and their hospital's bottom line. He stated, "all three of these things are interconnected." Fritts stressed that without a hospital's financial stability, there would be no resources to support patient care or employ healthcare workers. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that everyone involved in the healthcare industry is part of the same team.

The representative, who represents rural districts, expressed his concerns about the state of rural medicine. Fritts visited five hospitals in his area and discovered that each one was struggling. He attributed the difficulties to low Medicaid reimbursement rates, particularly in areas with a high concentration of older and underserved populations. Fritts called for advocacy to increase reimbursement rates to support the sustainability of rural hospitals.

In support of Fritts' statements, Denise Stiger, the union organizer for Teamsters Local 743, highlighted the challenges faced by nursing home workers. Stiger explained, "Some of these nursing home workers have 20 patients. On third shift, it might be one CNA to one floor. So, that means she is doing the whole floor. Even though they're saying that the patients are asleep at night, they still have to be changed. They still have to be cleaned."

Fritts' commitment to advocating for the healthcare industry is evident in his background. He was elected to represent the 74th House District in November 2022 and is a lifelong Illinois resident. Fritts graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics in May 2021.

The House committee hearing, which lasted four hours, aimed to gather testimony from various healthcare workers, including unions, nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities. Lawmakers sought to address the necessary changes that need to be implemented in the industry.

In conclusion, Bradley Fritts emphasized the interconnectedness of patient care quality, healthcare workers, and hospital finances during a House committee hearing. He called for unity and collaboration, stressing that everyone involved in the healthcare industry is on the same team. Fritts highlighted the struggles faced by rural hospitals due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates and advocated for an increase in reimbursement. The hearing provided a platform for healthcare workers to share their experiences and discuss the necessary changes needed in the industry.