SPRINGFIELD – According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, three million Americans - one in four adults - are providing ongoing care for older adults, people with serious illnesses, or those with disabilities. To help protect some of Illinois’ most vulnerable residents, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced a new law to ensure assisted living and community-based care facilities only refer residents to licensed home service providers.
“When families are searching for care for a loved one, they should be able to trust that referrals from a care facility meet Illinois’ licensing and safety standards,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This law helps ensure residents and their families receive accurate information and are connected with providers who have met the state’s requirements.”
House Bill 4612 requires assisted living establishments, community living facilities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and life care facilities to refer residents only to home service providers licensed by the state.
The law also requires facilities to display educational materials developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health explaining the difference between licensed and unlicensed home care providers. The measure will establish a $1,000 civil penalty for facilities that violate the referral requirements.
Under current law, hospitals, nursing homes and certain health care providers are prohibited from referring patients to unlicensed home service agencies. The new law expands those protections to additional care settings where residents frequently seek home care assistance.
Advocates for the legislation noted that unlicensed providers may lack required training, supervision and criminal background checks. By strengthening referral requirements and increasing public awareness, the measure aims to help residents make informed decisions and reduce the risk of vulnerable individuals receiving care from unqualified providers.
“Whether someone is a senior in assisted living or an individual with developmental disabilities living in a community setting, they deserve safe, quality care,” said Edly-Allen. “This law gives families greater peace of mind and helps ensure referrals are made with residents’ safety and well-being in mind.”
House Bill 4612 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1.
