SPRINGFIELD – To ensure nursing home residents receive proper care during ownership changes, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation requiring facilities to develop comprehensive transition plans.

“Quality of care for nursing home residents should not be disrupted because of an unclear transition process,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation requires transfer plans from current owners to new owners and increases protection for residents.”

Senate Bill 3115 would require owners of a facility to submit a transition plan detailing how resident care and appropriate staffing levels will be maintained throughout the process of changing ownership.  

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, past changes of ownership have taken place without a clear and concise transfer plan that assures appropriate staffing and quality of care. This legislation would remedy this issue by providing clear steps facilities must take during ownership changes.

“In the past, medical staff have been at dangerously low levels during facility transitions,” said Morrison. “Nursing home management has a duty to provide comprehensive care.”

Senate Bill 3115 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.