The role of nursing home regulations are crucial in helping to prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.  Many cases of neglect and abuse stem from a lack of regulation or oversight.  The importance of licensing, inspections and regulation cannot be emphasized enough by Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers. 

In Illinois, approximately 100,000 residents are cared for in over 1200 long-term care facilities.  Many public and private agencies at both federal and state levels are responsible for regulating and inspecting these facilities.  The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are two of the main regulating agencies.  These Departments help the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services certify nursing homes for eligibility in the federal payment reimbursement programs.  Often times, these jurisdictions can overlap.

In addition to state and federal inspections, many nursing homes in Illinois are members of national accrediting organizations.  The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent performance inspector.  The Department’s Bureau of Long-Term Care is another agency responsible for making sure nursing homes follow all provisions of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.  They also conduct surveys to ensure any facility receiving Medicaid or Medicare money follows all state and federal regulations.

Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys explain that these active regulating agencies have dramatically improved the quality of life for many seniors in long-term care environments.  Despite the measures taken many residents still fall victim to Illinois nursing home neglect.  Every year, over 10,000 surveys are conducted which include licensing inspections, complaint investigations and re-inspections.  More than 5,000 complaints are responded to annually.

Holding nursing homes accountable helps prevent many cases of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Regulatory agencies are crucial in protecting our loved ones in long-term care facility.  If you have any additional questions regarding nursing home regulations, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

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