SPRINGFIELD – To safeguard and protect Illinois seniors from neglect and abuse, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ bill looks to prohibit retaliatory action against nursing home residents and hold bad nursing homes accountable.

“When you are in assisted living, you rely on caregivers and staff to help you every day, and this bill looks to protect residents in care from neglectful and abusive practices,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seniors deserve our upmost respect, and with this bill, we can expand and protect the rights they have and the avenues they can seek justice.”

Under the legislation, House Bill 2474, nursing homes would be prohibited from retaliating against a resident who is exercising their rights. If a resident faces retaliation, they would be able to file a civil suit against the nursing home and potentially recover damages if proven true.

Retaliation could take the form of intentionally retaliating or discriminating against any resident or employee for contacting or providing information to any state official, or for initiating, participating in, or testifying in a proceeding. Further, nursing homes would have to annually notify residents of their rights regarding retaliation and the process to make complaints. The bill would also require staff at nursing homes to undergo in-service training designed to prevent retaliatory action from taking place.

“Vulnerable residents are overlooked far too often,” said Collins. “With these protections, we can give folks the opportunity to fight against wrongful retaliation, while also providing them with more opportunities to know their rights and what they deserve.”

House Bill 2474 passed the Senate on Sunday.