New Bill Seeks to Fix Underperforming Nursing Homes

Posted on March 7, 2019
Inadequate staffing is a problem in many nursing homes across the state. (Photo from Pixabay)

By A.J. Harris

SPRINGFIELD – A recent study ranked Illinois dead last when it comes to providing proper care for seniors in nursing homes, so a group of bipartisan lawmakers have introduced a plan to increase penalties for underperforming facilities.

Our news partner WMBD TV reports that one reason for senior home homes underperforming is a lack of proper staff.

A second concern reported is the fact that staff would rather give patients drugs than take the time to treat them.

At an Illinois State Capitol, senior advocacy group AARP said Illinois nursing homes have the second-worst rate in the nation when it comes to administering antipsychotic drugs without a psychiatric diagnosis.

State Senator Jacqueline Collins of Chicago says that homes use psychotropic drugs to quell residents and keep them quiet.

The new bill would require verbal consent before administering psychotropic drugs to residents.

It also says that if nursing homes don’t reach proper staff levels, the state would call for a steep fine and a sign being posted on the home’s door saying “This home is understaffed”.

A.J. Harris can be reached at [email protected]

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