Can the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect an Illinois Nursing Home License?

 Posted on September 30, 2020 in Professional License Defense

Because of their important role in providing for the care and health of their patients, Illinois nursing homes are subject to oversight from both the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure they are in compliance with regulations. With the additional risks that the COVID-19 pandemic poses for nursing home residents, additional guidelines have been put in place to promote their safety. Now more than ever, it is important for nursing homes to take the necessary measures to avoid violations that could impact their licensure.

Guidelines for Illinois Nursing Homes During COVID-19

Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, CMS has issued guidelines for the safe operation of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities throughout the United States. For example, nursing homes must:

• Require staff to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, gowns, and visors
• Regularly screen residents, staff, and visitors for symptoms of COVID-19
• Use proper hand hygiene
• Follow a plan for testing and monitoring residents and staff for COVID-19
• Restrict visitation, communal dining, and group activities

CMS has also instituted a system for removing some restrictions in phases for nursing homes that are able to control the spread of COVID-19.

Preventing Nursing Home Violations in Illinois

Regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois nursing homes are responsible for upholding state and federal regulations, and violations can result in the suspension or revocation of the nursing home’s license. Many nursing home violations involve substandard care, and this may be exacerbated by the circumstances of COVID-19 if the staff does not use adequate PPE, maintain hygiene standards, and create an environment that mitigates the risk of residents contracting the virus.

During the pandemic, Illinois nursing homes should also take care to avoid other common violations including unethical conduct, abuse and neglect, sexual harassment, financial exploitation, and breach of patient confidentiality.

Contact an Illinois Nursing Home License Defense Lawyer

If your nursing home is facing complaints that could affect your license in this unprecedented time, you need an attorney who is well versed in the defense of nursing home and other professional licenses in Illinois. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., Attorney Bogdan can assist clients with a thorough understanding of nursing home regulations, developed in part during his time as the Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness at IDPH. Contact an Illinois license defense attorney today at 630-310-1267 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/long-term-care-guidance 

https://www.propublica.org/article/nursing-homes-violated-basic-health-standards-allowing-the-coronavirus-to-explode 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21