Anonymous complaints concerning Illinois nursing homes would no longer be accepted, or investigated, under a bill currently in the Illinois House of Representatives.
The bill, H.B. 5601, which was introduced earlier this year, would amend the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act to require identifying information about people filing neglect or abuse complaints.
Under the bill, the identifying information would be kept confidential by the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, nursing home investigators would be able to contact people who filed complaints should they desire further information.
Two excerpts concerning the bill from the April 22, 2016 U.S. News and World Report article titled “Illinois Bill Would Require Identity of People Who Complain About Nursing Homes“:
Authorities in Illinois would not investigate anonymous calls alleging abuse or neglect at nursing homes or assisted living facilities under legislation being considered by state lawmakers, with proponents saying the measure aims to cut back on false accusations and harassment.
Those opposed to the bill, however, say it would put residents’ safety at risk.
also:
Complaints, meanwhile, are one of the main ways authorities can resolve potentially systemic issues within long-term care facilities. They can involve mistreatment or violence on the part of a staff member, financial exploitation, a medication error or unsanitary conditions. People who wish to file one with a state health agency often have an option to remain anonymous, at least to the facility they’re complaining against.
Additional details regarding this bill can be seen in a variety of media sources, including the U.S. News & World Report article mentioned above, as well as the April 15 State Journal-Register article titled “Bill would ban anonymous complaints against nursing homes.”
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Should someone you care for experience Illinois nursing home abuse or neglect or a nursing home accident – or suffer an injury at a similar health care facility such as an assisted living facility, retirement home, skilled nursing facility (SNF) or hospital – please contact the Elman Joseph Law Group at (773) 392-8182 to discuss the situation and to discuss the potential of an injury lawsuit. This no-obligation legal consultation is free and confidential. Elman Joseph Law Group handles cases on a contingency basis…no fees are charged unless and until monetary compensation is achieved.
Elman Joseph Law Group’s Lead Attorney, Tony Elman, is a personal injury trial lawyer. Over the last 20+ years Elman Joseph Law Group has handled over 10,000 Illinois personal injury lawsuits.
During this 20+ year period, Elman Joseph Law Group has built a reputation for its courtroom trial performance, including getting large verdicts for smaller cases.
To speak directly to Tony Elman, Lead Attorney of the Elman Joseph Law Group, call (773) 392-8182 at any time. This legal consultation is free and confidential.
Elman Joseph Law Group, LLC handles Chicago area and other Illinois personal injury lawsuits as well as wrongful death lawsuits.