IL SB2929

Requires hospitals to notify Medicare-qualified patients at least 24 hours prior to discharge and notify case coordination units before discharge to skilled nursing facilities.

Mandates case coordination units provide required assessment documentation directly to the nursing home prior to patient discharge, with Department on Aging and Department of Healthcare and Family Services adopting rules for instances where assessments cannot be completed before discharge.

Requires hospitals to develop procedures prohibiting discharge or referral of patients to unlicensed, uncertified, or unregistered board and care facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, supportive living facilities, hospice facilities, and other specified facilities.

Requires hospitals to provide patients at least 24 hours before discharge with written information on their right to appeal discharge under the federal Medicare program, including steps and contact information.

Requires hospitals to initiate criminal history background checks through the Department of State Police for patients aged 18-70 transferring to nursing homes meeting specific criteria, including first-time transfers, hospital stays exceeding 5 days, expected stays over 30 days, known mental illness or substance abuse history, and ambulatory status.