A new Illinois law will require all assisted living and shared homes to have an AED on site.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will require all assisted living and shared homes to have an AED on site.

The law also calls for all healthcare employees at the facilities to be trained on how to use defibrillators during medical emergencies.

54% of the state's nursing homes already have AEDs, but sponsors argue every facility should have them.

"The average cost is $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the model chosen," said Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). "Some cost more. Almost 40% of the homes have found ways to pay for AEDs."

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) was the chief sponsor of this plan in her chamber. 

"The hope is that families of nursing home residents will have peace of mind that if something happens, lifesaving devices are on site to save their loved one," Turner said. 

This law passed unanimously out of the House and Senate earlier this year. House Bill 1287 took effect Friday, but nursing homes will have until January 1, 2030 to buy AEDs.

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