About a week ago, sweeping reform was passed by both houses in the Illinois Legislature which will help ensure better patient care and safety of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Senate Bill 326 as originally introduced was to amend the Older Adult Services Act and in provisions concerning the development of a plan to restructure the State’s service delivery system for older adults, provides that the Department on Aging and the Departments of Public Health and Healthcare and Family Services shall develop the plan no later than September 30, 2010. The bill was introduced to in order that such a plan shall protect the rights of all older Illinoisans to services based on their health circumstances and functioning level, regardless of whether they receive their care in their homes, in a community setting, or in a residential facility.

According to one article found here and AARP Senior Manager for Advocacy, Nancy Nelson, “This legislation provides sweeping reforms that will radically improve the quality of care and safety for nursing home residents in Illinois[.]”

Among other improvements, the bill would require higher standards in admitting patients with serious mental illness and to segregate dangerous residents, increase staffing levels and ensuring stronger regulation, generally, of nursing homes.

You must be extremely vigilant of your loved ones in these facilities. Review the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services listings of nursing homes here and check to see if your loved one is in a poor-performing facility and keep a vigilant eye on the care and treatment. If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential, free initial consultation on whether you should file a claim.