IL SB1559

Replaces regional wage adjusters with facility-specific staffing levels and wages as a factor in calculating RUG-IV nursing reimbursement rates effective July 1, 2017.

Establishes four staffing and wage adjustment levels (0.80, 1.22, 1.42, 1.45) based on each facility's total per resident per day staffing wage cost, with lowest-staffed facilities capped at 0.80.

Requires quarterly updates to staffing adjusters using Payroll Benefit Journal data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aligned with Minimum Data Set data collection periods.

Implements budget stability mechanism allowing Department to adjust staffing and staffing ratio adjusters quarterly to maintain stable liability, with specific cost coverage thresholds (70% maximum for lowest-staffed facilities, 80% for highest-staffed).

Authorizes Department to adopt administrative rules to implement provisions, though requirements must be implemented by July 1, 2017 even without final rules; rates subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval.