A new law has been signed in Illinois to strengthen protections for nursing home residents.
State Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) sponsored H.B. 2474 and discussed its impact on Good Day Chicago.
Key Details:
Under the new law, nursing homes are banned from retaliating against residents who exercise their rights.
If retaliation occurs, residents will have the right to file a civil lawsuit and potentially recover damages.
Nursing homes will be required to notify residents each year about their rights regarding retaliation and the process for filing complaints.
Staff must also complete training focused on preventing retaliatory behavior.
Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill last Friday, and it will take effect on January 1, 2026.
What Did Collins Say?
Collins, a former certified nursing assistant with over a decade of experience in nursing homes, said she has heard many troubling stories from residents.
“As a legislator, I’ve realized that many of those issues still exist today,” she said. “When advocates brought these concerns to me, I knew this bill could help provide a solution.”
Collins noted that while not all nursing homes have issues, there are “too many horror stories” and a lack of accountability for some operators.
“Residents should feel safe and respected in nursing homes,” she said. “We need to make sure their needs and rights are prioritized, and those who fail to meet these standards must be held accountable.”
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