In 2019, Illinois passed a law allowing the Illinois Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) to fine nursing homes that do not provide at least two and half hours of direct daily nursing case for residents. Penalties were set to begin January 1, 2021, but the state delayed the penalties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, beginning in the first quarter of 2021, the IDPH will start evaluating compliance with the law. The IDPH will also be hiring additional staff to evaluate nursing home’s compliance. Because understaffing is a common problem at many Illinois nursing homes, this will very likely be a positive development that leads to improved care for residents.