Assisted living providers in Illinois will need to gain prior approval from the state before initiating construction or renovation projects after a new public health law went into effect on Jan. 1.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced last week a series of public health laws now in effect, including HB 5429, the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. The law requires assisted living communities to submit plans for construction or major renovations to the IDPH before beginning a project.
Previously, communities faced inspections only after construction was complete, often leading to costly adjustments and delays in opening new wings or buildings, according to Jason Speaks, LeadingAge Illinois director of government relations.
“The revised process now allows for approval of construction before work begins, potentially saving communities thousands of dollars,” Speaks told McKnight’s Senior Living. “Moving forward, our main concern will be ensuring the Illinois Department of Public Health meets review deadlines and minimizes fees associated with this process.”
The Illinois Health Care Association / Illinois Center for Assisted Living told McKnight’s Senior Living that it worked this past spring to ensure that provisions relating to assisted living establishments were more practical and equitable. Skilled nursing facilities already are required to undergo a similar process under the state’s Nursing Home Care Act.
IHCA / ICAL President and CEO Ashley Snavely called it a “proactive measure.”
“By securing approval for their plans before construction, providers can ensure their projects align with regulatory expectations, significantly reducing the risk of delays or interruptions caused by non-compliance,” Snavely said. “This upfront approval and process also allows providers to establish more accurate timelines for completing their facilities or establishments.”
When the bill initially was introduced, Snavely said, the proposed fees were three times higher than those required of SNFs. IHCA / ICAL successfully negotiated a reduction in those fees by the end of the legislative session, as well as improved the department’s response time to providers, she said.
The law requires applicants to submit architectural drawings and specifications for review before beginning a construction or renovation project. The IDPH has 10 days to notify applicants whether their submissions are complete or incomplete and then has 45 days to review an application.
Source: McKnights Seniorliving