For more information on Illinois regulatory updates, access Forum’s free webinar on demand, presented by Sheila Baker, RN, MBA, JD, Deputy Director of the Office of Healthcare Regulation, Illinois Department of Public Health.

With so much happening on the national front, it’s easy to lose track of regional and local activities; but it’s important to know what’s happening in Illinois, and what this means for you, your organization, and your residents.

Start by knowing the players and how they impact your work.

Know the Players

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) 

IDPH is “an advocate for and partner with the people of Illinois to re-envision health policy and promote health equity, prevent and protect against disease and injury, and prepare for health emergencies.”

Office of Health Care Regulations (OHCR) 

OHCR consists of four divisions: Bureau of Long-Term Care, Life Safety and Construction, Health Care Facilities and Programs, and Administrative Rules and Regulations. OHCR licenses and inspects 1,629 long-term care facilities providing skilled nursing, intermediate care, sheltered care, community living, assisted living, specialized mental health rehabilitative services, and care for intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals.

Within OHCR’s Bureau of Long-Term Care there are four divisions: License and Regulation, Special Investigations Unit, Long Term Care Field Operations, Compliance Assurance, and Assisted Living. They are responsible for ensuring long-term care facilities comply with the provisions of application federal regulations and state statutes.

Know the Plans

The OHCR has plans for reorganization, modernization, collaboration, and education in 2024 and beyond:

• Data modernization plan, including moving current systems to new platforms and creating new platforms where none previously existed.
• Minimizing paper reporting, decreasing storage requirements
• Scheduling platforms for all staffing activities for increased accountability
• Integration with external platforms mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• Improved reporting and data analysis.

This rolled out earlier this summer and has started with training for facilities. Phases 2, 3, and 4 rollout dates are in the planning process.

It is important to realize that there will be many opportunities to get the training and information you need, as well as ask questions and receive guidance. For instance, there are office hours for facilities to call and address general survey questions with OHCR and there will be webinar training sessions addressing the survey process, long cycles, plans of correction, and high-level scope and severity in citations. Training is also available on long-term care licensure and other regulatory activities to improve license and renewal processes, online payment, and communication with the department.

Grants and More

The IDPH has established a yearly grant cycle for CMP grants, with solicitation and grant making occurring from January through June of each year and grant execution commencing on or around July 1 of each year. In 2024, the solicitation process will follow the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), 30 ILCS 708, and corresponding rules found in Title 44, Part 7000 of the Illinois Administrative Code. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will specify who is eligible, how to apply for the CMP grant funds, and the types of projects that can be funded.

Beginning in April 2024, the State of Illinois will solicit applications for nine Grant Programs that benefit nursing home residents and are designed to protect and/or improve their quality of care or quality of life. The grant programs focus on key issues such as direct care staffing requirements.

Know the Rules to Watch

• Direct Care Staffing Requirements

Part 300 (section 300.1230) of the state regulations provide specific minimum staffing ratios for nursing and personal care staff:

• According to the section the acuity and needs of the residents including review payroll-based journal (PBJ) data and submission of facility census information.
• During the implementation period (which goes through December of this year), facilities are required to submit all information as required by the administrative rules.
• Facilities are notified by the Department about compliance or noncompliance.  The determined fine amount will be attached for review purposes only.  Fines will not be assessed until the implementation period is completed.
• Noncompliant facilities will be required to submit a Plan of correction and post a notice in their facility until the POC is accepted or the violation corrected.
• Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act

Elsewhere, Illinois has adopted amendments to the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code to clarify requirements related to complaint procedures. This rulemaking includes updates to life safety requirements and statutory requirements pursuant to Public Act 102-1007.

For more information, please watch the free on-demand webinar. C.E. credits are available for eligible participants.