By Stace Keane
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Senator Dave Koehler’s plan to improve mental health care in Illinois nursing homes is now officially law.
“Careful care of our most vulnerable population sends a clear message that even as you age, our state will allow you to do so with grace and dignity,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “This law ensures that those who are in nursing home care living with a serious mental illness receive the proper help and mental health review so they can return to a life of comfort without being a threat to those around them.”
Under the measure, the Illinois Department of Human Services, or a designated agency, must check in with anyone admitted to a nursing home with a serious mental illness within 60 days.
It also requires a new review within 72 hours if that person experiences a major change in their mental or physical health.
The law also requires 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.
“When our elderly members of the community are placed in a nursing home, families expect peace of mind that they are being cared for,” said Koehler. “We hope that with this bill becoming law, families can rest easier at night knowing residents’ mental health needs are being met.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law on Thursday.
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