Bill > HB2922

This bill amends the Nursing Home Care Act to expand the definition of direct care staff used to calculate staff-to-resident ratios in nursing homes. The bill adds several new staff categories that can be counted toward staffing requirements, including infection preventionists, minimum data set assessment nurses, additional social workers, certified nursing assistant interns, and medication aides. Importantly, 100% of the hours worked by these newly included staff members will now count toward the staffing ratio calculation. The bill also introduces a more lenient approach to monetary penalties for staffing non-compliance, stipulating that penalties will only be imposed if a facility's staffing falls more than 20% below the required minimum. Previously, facilities were prohibited from waiving monetary penalties, but this bill removes that restriction and gives the Department of Public Health discretion to waive penalties in certain circumstances, such as unexpected staff call-offs. Additionally, the bill modifies reporting requirements, mandating that facilities post a notice if their staffing variance exceeds 20%, which must be displayed at facility entrances and on the facility's website. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for nursing homes while maintaining standards for resident care.

Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2922&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104