SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois nursing homes will face fines for understaffing starting January 1.
Frontline workers told reporters Tuesday that far too many nursing homes have failed to meet state staffing standards. They stress that a concerning number of nursing homes consistently fall dangerously below the requirement.
SEIU members joined state lawmakers, AARP and the Alzheimer's Association Illinois chapter during a press conference in Springfield on November 19, 2024.
State lawmakers passed a plan to fine nursing homes failing to meet those standards in 2010, but the industry asked to delay implementation of that law for several years.
"I have seen and gone through a lot. I'm a nurse on the Alzheimer's and dementia floor," said SEIU member Donna Cruder. "I work with 38 patients, and I'm the only nurse on the floor. 7-3 shift, 3-11 shift and 11-7 only have one nurse."
The first fine will be 125% of the cost of wages and benefits for the missing staff hours. Penalties will increase to 150% for the second offense and 200% for any other offenses.
The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter and AARP are standing alongside nursing home workers demanding reform.
"HFS, in their nursing home rate reform in 2022, provided incentives for facilities for proper staffing," said David Olsen with the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. "Now we need enforcement for those who aren't meeting that basic minimum level. We believe this will make a difference."
Advocates noted that the nursing home industry has received over $1 billion since 2010 to improve staffing levels.Â
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