IL SB2153

Requires hospitals to implement written staffing plans for nursing services prepared by nursing care committees, with at least 55% of committee members being registered nurses providing direct inpatient care

Establishes fines for hospitals failing to comply with nurse staffing requirements: up to $500 per occurrence for initial violations, and up to $1,000 per occurrence for repeat violations of correction plans

Mandates nursing care committees meet at least 6 times per year and issue semi-annual written reports reviewing staffing plans, patient outcomes, overtime hours, and staffing complaints

Protects hospital employees from discipline or discharge for expressing concerns about alleged staffing violations, and allows employees to file complaints with the Department of Public Health

Authorizes $500,000 annually in nursing education scholarships from the Hospital Licensure Fund for academic years 2021-2022 through 2024-2025, funded by fines collected for staffing violations