A proposed bill in Illinois would allow any medical center in the state to essentially close and become a free-standing emergency center, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.
Currently, to become a stand-alone ER, facilities must be in communities of 50,000 people or less.
That eliminates Chicago, home to 18 percent of hospitals in Illinois, per 2016 numbers.
Downgrading facilities to emergency centers could also help right-size a market with a glut of empty hospital beds.
Healthcare Workers Need Better Workplaces
Protecting Patients Through Design and Compliance at Altru Health System
Novant Health's $1B Expansion Plans Approved
What Lies Ahead for Healthcare Facilities Managers
What's in the Future for Healthcare Restrooms?