Kane County Reporter

Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) introduced a bill to help nursing home residents enjoy a higher quality of life at assisted living facilities, having collaborated with the Senior Advisory Committee to discern what issues most heavily impact elderly Illinoisans. 

S.B. 1633, Villa’s bill, passed the Health Committee and has been referred to the Assignments Committee.

"When we have loved ones living in a nursing home, we should have full confidence that they will be cared for with courtesy and proper medical practices. This initiative will help give nursing home residents the opportunity to enjoy the highest quality of life," Villa wrote in a Facebook post.

Villa’s legislation prohibits nursing home residents from being made to do work at the facility unless such activities are required for their medical or documented therapeutic health.

The initiative will also require that outpatient mental health service facilities have written internal grievance procedures in place to allow residents to air their grievances against a facility. 

All patients who fall under the protection of the Medical Patient Rights Act will be protected under the Nursing Home Care Act introduced by Villa as well.