May 23, 2008

Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging Gov. Rod Blagojevich to sign into law the Resident’s Right to Know Act, which will provide important information to families considering long term care facilities for their loved ones.

The Illinois Senate earlier this week approved House Bill 3508 by a unanimous vote after House members gave unanimous approval to the bill last session. The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature.

The Act will require each licensed, long term care nursing facility to complete an annual Consumer Choice Information Report that includes information about the facility’s quality of care, services and security issues related to the residents and the staff of the facility. This important information will assist families in choosing a facility or monitoring a facility where a family member might currently reside.

Madigan notes that the Resident’s Right to Know Act will provide important information to families without creating another time-consuming burden for the providers of long term care. The Consumer Care Information Reports are a series of questions that in most cases can be answered with a "yes," or a "no," or a number. For example:

Does the facility have a certified Alzheimer’s Unit?

Can the residents choose a pharmacy?

Does the facility have computers for resident use?

Does the facility provide 24-hour registered nurse coverage?

Does the facility allow resident’s families to install a video camera in their room?

Once signed by the governor, the measure will become law January 1, 2009.