SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Every Illinois municipality and fire protection district can start charging fees for lift assist services starting January 1.
Many home rule governments already charge people fees when first responders are called to help lift someone, but other communities have struggled with the cost.
The Illinois Municipal League said the rising number of calls for lift assist at congregate care facilities has become a growing concern.
"Lift assist services present risk of potential injury to municipal EMS and fire personnel, creating significant long-term financial and operational challenges for local governments," said Champaign mayor and former IML president Deborah Frank Feinen.
Lift assist worker compensation claims are twice as costly as any other local government claims. The law states providers can charge reasonable fees to assisted living and nursing home facilities calling for lift assists more than six times per year.
The fees must not exceed the actual personnel and equipment costs incurred in providing service.
Springfield implemented a new lift assist fee for assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and nursing homes in July. The Springfield fee does not apply to people residing in their homes or to medical emergencies.
House Bill 2336 passed unanimously out of the Illinois House and Senate this spring.Â
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