HR0368 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0368 LRB094 12178 CSA 45661 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Media reports have revealed that Illinois nursing homes, long-term care facilities, community integrated living arrangements, and supportive living centers are housing 161 criminal parolees and sex offenders without adequate disclosure and supervision; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Corrections is not required by law to disclose the identities of parolees and ailing prisoners residing in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, Community Integrated Living Arrangements, and supportive living centers; and

WHEREAS, Criminal incidents against vulnerable residents have been increasingly reported to law enforcement officials; and

WHEREAS, Other states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, and Oklahoma, are considering legislation to protect residents; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative the General Assembly take immediate action to ensure the safety of the residents residing in these nursing homes, long-term care facilities, Community Integrated Living Arrangements, and supportive living centers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that a comprehensive investigation should be conducted to protect vulnerable residents of nursing homes, long-term care facilities, community integrated living arrangements, and supportive living centers and ease the concerns of family members; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness Committee is urged to convene hearings to examine the issue, gather expert testimony from qualified representatives of the long-term care industry, the Department of Corrections, the Department on Aging, the Department of Public Health, Department of Public Aid, and advocates of long-term care residents, and propose solutions that will safeguard and protect the residents of Illinois' long-term care facilities.