SB2554 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging to expand the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to represent all residents regardless of age by June 1, 2014, and establishes staffing ratios of one ombudsman per 3,500 beds by June 1, 2013, and per 2,000 beds by June 1, 2014.

• Requires the Department on Aging to create Consumer Choice Information Reports in collaboration with the Attorney General, including facility information on medical care, staffing, safety, meals, and other categories, made publicly accessible through the Department's website.

• Mandates all nursing homes, ID/DD facilities, and Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation facilities maintain liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and comply with strict notification requirements for resident deaths, unusual incidents, and violations.

• Establishes dementia-specific training requirements for facility staff, with initial 4-hour orientation within 7 days and annual 12-hour education for nurses, nursing assistants, and activities staff working with residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

• Increases minimum staff training requirements from 8 years to 10 years of grade school for nursing assistants and child care aides, and requires consistent assignment of direct care staff to the same residents to the extent possible.