Changes were made recently to Chapter 295 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the framework governing operation of healthcare facilities, with a specific focus on assisted living (AL) and shared housing facilities. These changes impact assisted living operations throughout the state. Highlights include:

• Section 295.1060 (Remedies and Sanctions): Many proposed fine increases were deleted. Fines for Type 1 and Type 2 violations will remain the same, as will fines for preventing the Department of Public Health from performing its duties and caring for residents whose care needs exceed those authorized by statute.
• Section 295.1070 (Annual Onsite Review and Complaint Investigation Procedures): The State will provide a written statement of findings and violations within 10 business days (previously 20 days). Facilities now have more time to file a statement of correction—within 30 days, as opposed to the previous 15-day window. Detail has been added describing the required content of statements of correction, potential causes for rejection of those statements, and the timeline for responding to rejections.   
• Section 295.2050 (Incident and Accident Reporting): Language was added clarifying that “a change in an individual’s (resident’s) condition that is due to health or medical decline is not a reportable incident or accident.”  Any reference to hospital visits has been removed from this section. 
• Section 295.3050 (Employee Assistance Programs): New text was added, defining employee assistance programs and outlining the requirements for promoting and documenting these programs.
• Section 295.9000 (Physical Plant): Updates were made in several places to remain in alignment with current health, safety, and building codes. 

Those caring for residents in these settings are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes to Chapter 295 and how it impacts their work. It is key to ensuring compliance with the regulations designed to ensure safety, wellbeing, and quality of life for residents. 

For a tip sheet containing more specific information, click here.

To access the complete revised document, click here.