IL SB3131

Allows the Director to grant or renew waivers of registered nurse staffing requirements under Section 3-202.05(e) if a facility demonstrates it cannot employ required nurses despite diligent efforts, including offering competitive wages, and the waiver will not endanger resident health or safety.

Prohibits waivers of minimum registered nurse staffing requirements in 42 CFR 483.30(b) for Medicare-certified facilities or facilities that are both Medicare and Medicaid-certified.

Requires quarterly Department review of nursing staffing waivers, including verification that facilities continue making diligent hiring efforts, with revocation for noncompliance.

Mandates that facilities with waivers must ensure a physician or registered nurse responds immediately to telephone calls during periods when required nurses are not present.

Requires facilities to notify the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, residents, residents' guardians, and representatives about any nursing staffing waivers granted.