Elizabeth M. Whitehorn Director at Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services | Official website
Elizabeth M. Whitehorn Director at Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services | Official website
Governor JB Pritzker has signed a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming nursing home care in Illinois. The new law, HB246, is designed to enhance care for nursing home residents by tying funding to improvements in staffing and quality measures.
Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "With today's signing, Illinois will no longer tolerate an emphasis on profits over people, especially at the expense of our most vulnerable Illinoisans." This legislation aims to create a direct link between funding and the quality of care provided in nursing homes across the state.
The reforms include increased funding based on staffing levels, a revised pay scale for certified nursing assistants that increases wages with experience, and financial incentives tied to key quality measures. Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton highlighted the significance of these changes: "Under HB 246, we are carving the path for well-funded, well-staffed nursing homes with workers who have the training to provide quality care."
Medicaid customers and particularly Black and Brown residents stand to benefit from these changes. The legislation addresses long-standing inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 in underserved communities. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will oversee these reforms.
House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch expressed optimism about the reforms: "With a focus on health equity and prioritizing nursing staff, we can improve the quality of care our most vulnerable residents need and deserve." Senate President Don Harmon added that linking funding to staffing would enhance care for thousands of seniors.
The bill's provisions include a new wage scale for certified nursing assistants with Medicaid covering part or all of these costs. It also mandates transparency in ownership interests under the federal Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM).
Several stakeholders have praised this move as a necessary step towards improving long-term care facilities in Illinois. AARP Illinois' Philippe Largent commended Governor Pritzker for ensuring safety and dignity for nursing home residents.
The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2022, pending federal approval.
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