Illinois Governor Signs Nursing Home Reform Bill

Governor Pat Quinn last week signed historic legislation that transforms Illinois’ system of care for frail older adults and persons with disabilities. The Governor signed two new laws, Senate Bill 326 and Senate Bill 2863, that improve the lives of current and future nursing home residents and are based upon recent research, investigations and deliberation done by the state of Illinois and its Nursing Home Safety Task Force.

The new law rewrites the system of nursing home admissions and strengthens the screening process to prevent residents with violent criminal histories from being placed with vulnerable, older adults. The law sets higher standards for quality and staffing for Illinois nursing homes and raising penalties for violations and increase inspections and monitoring. Both new laws go into effect immediately.

“Today begins a new era of nursing home care in Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “Older adults who require 24-hour care deserve a safe, high-quality home, and persons with mental illness must have the care and treatment they need to live full and productive lives in their communities. This law protects Illinois’ most vulnerable adults.”

""We have to do everything we can to protect vulnerable nursing home residents and make sure they are safe,"" said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. ""These bills significantly strengthen the process for protecting nursing home residents from those who may pose a threat. And they provide us with critical tools needed to target nursing home fraud.