SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is working to improve oversight and follow-up care for nursing home residents living with serious mental illnesses.
“For residents, it should be a guarantee that timely and thoughtful care responds to their needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This bill helps make sure people living with serious mental illness receive follow-up reviews sooner, and that important decisions are made without conflicts of interest.”
House Bill 4509 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services or a designee to visit any individual admitted to a nursing home with a diagnosis of serious mental illness within 60 days of admission. It would also require a resident review within 72 hours when a resident with serious mental illness experiences a significant change in their physical or mental health.
The legislation would also require IDHS to ensure there are no conflicts of interest among the employees administering pre-admission screenings. The goal is to give families the confidence that the residents are being evaluated fairly and appropriately.
“Families need to know their loved ones are getting the right care and attention at the right time,” Koehler said. “Strengthening these reviews is a commonsense step that puts residents first.”
House Bill 4509 has passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday.