IL SB2137

Requires long-term care facilities to adopt written policies and provide assistive technology (computers, videoconferencing equipment, etc.) to prevent resident social isolation through virtual visitation.

Virtual visitation policies must supplement, not replace, in-person visitation and include protocols for scheduling, equipment maintenance, cleaning, and staff training to assist residents with technology use.

Facilities must develop individualized virtual visitation schedules for residents upon admission and at the request of residents or representatives, documenting needs, preferences, facility hours, and staff responsibilities.

Facilities that fail to comply with these requirements face Type "C" administrative penalties as determined by rule, with enhanced penalties for repeat or ongoing violations, effective January 1, 2023.

Department of Public Health must file rules within 60 days of the effective date establishing minimum standards for social isolation prevention policies, penalty schedules, and Internet access requirements, with emergency rulemaking authority through January 1, 2027.