Illinois lawmakers get an update on nursing homes

Posted on September 16, 2021
Mary Flowers
State Rep. Mary Flowers. (ilga.gov)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Helping kick off a series of legislative hearings about nursing homes – eighteen months into the pandemic – State Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) hardly sounded a vote of confidence.

“We need to encourage more seniors to stay in their homes,” said Flowers. “The assisted living facilities (are) not a safe place for people who are in need of care.”

She added the state employees overseeing the system are far understaffed, adding employees such as a long-term care ombudsman are “out of sight, out of mind.”

Another lawmaker detailed her experience as a certified nursing assistant, prior to becoming a legislator; and IDPH staff outlined the array of penalties possible for a home which does not measure up.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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