SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 4509 designed to improve nursing home mental health evaluations has become law.
“Careful care of our most vulnerable population sends a clear message that even as you age, our state will allow you to do so with grace and dignity,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “This law ensures that those who are in nursing home care living with a serious mental illness receive the proper help and mental health review so they can return to a life of comfort without being a threat to those around them.”
The new law requires the Illinois Department of Human Services or a designee to visit any individual admitted to a nursing home with a diagnosis of serious mental illness within 60 days of admission. It would also require a resident review within 72 hours when a resident with serious mental illness experiences a significant change in their physical or mental health.
The law also require IDHS to ensure there are no conflicts of interest among the employees administering pre-admission screenings. The goal is to give families the confidence that the residents are being evaluated fairly and appropriately.
“When our elderly members of the community are placed in a nursing home, families except peace of mind that they are being cared for,” said Koehler “We hope that with this bill becoming law that families can rest easier at night knowing residents’ mental health needs are being met.”
House Bill 4509 was signed into law Thursday.
