210 ILCS 35/ Community Living Facilities Licensing Act.

(210 ILCS 35/1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4181)

Sec. 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to authorize the Department of Public Health to license Community Living Facilities using standards appropriate to this type of residential setting. The Community Living Facility is a transitional residential setting which provides guidance, supervision, training and other assistance to persons with a mild or moderate developmental disability with the goal of eventually moving these persons into more independent living arrangements. The Act authorizes the Department of Public Health to establish minimum standards, rules and regulations consistent with the philosophy and purpose of Community Living Facilities while insuring the protection of residents' rights and general welfare.

(Source: P.A. 88-380.)

(210 ILCS 35/2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4182)

Sec. 2. Short title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Community Living Facilities Licensing Act".

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/3) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4183)

Sec. 3. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this Section have the meanings ascribed to them herein.

(1) "Adult" means a person 18 years of age or older.

(2) "Applicant" means any person, agency, association, corporation, partnership, or organization making application for a license.

(3) "Appropriate programming" means programming which meets each resident's individual needs commensurate with his functioning level.

(4) "Community Living Facility" means a transitional residential setting which provides guidance, supervision, training and other assistance to ambulatory or mobile adults with a mild or moderate developmental disability with the goal of eventually moving these persons to more independent living arrangements. Residents are required to participate in day activities, such as vocational training, sheltered workshops or regular employment. A Community Living Facility shall not be a nursing or medical facility and shall house no more than 20 residents, excluding staff.

(5) "Department" means the Department of Public Health.

(6) "Director" means the Director of the Department of Public Health.

(7) "Habilitation plan" means a written plan as defined in the "Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code of 1979", as now or hereafter amended.

(8) "License" means any of the following types of licenses issued to an applicant or licensee by the Department:

(a) "Probationary license" means a license issued to an applicant or licensee which has not held a license contiguous to its application.

(b) "Regular license" means a license issued to an applicant or licensee which is in substantial compliance with this Act and any rules and regulations promulgated hereunder.

(9) "Licensee" means a person, agency, association, corporation, partnership, or organization which has been issued a license to operate a Community Living Facility.

(10) "Owner" means the individual, partnership, corporation, association or other person who owns a Community Living Facility. In the event a Community Living Facility is operated by a person who leases the physical plant, which is owned by another person, "owner" means the person who operates the Community Living Facility, except that if the person who owns the physical plant is an affiliate of the person who operates the Community Living Facility and has significant control over the day-to-day operations of the Community Living Facility, the person who owns the physical plant shall incur jointly and severally with the owner all liabilities imposed on an owner under this Act.

(11) "Plan of correction" means a written plan submitted to the Department for violation of this Act or of rules promulgated hereunder which are cited by the Department. The plan shall describe the steps that will be taken in order to bring the Community Living Facility into compliance and the time-frame for completion of each step.

(12) "Qualified surveyor" means any individual or any governmental agency designated by the Department to survey Community Living Facilities for compliance with this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under this Act.

(13) "Resident" means a person residing in a Community Living Facility pursuant to this Act.

(14) "Support services" means those services provided to residents in order to facilitate their integration into the community and to improve their level of functioning, independence and self-respect.

(Source: P.A. 88-380.)

(210 ILCS 35/4) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4184)

Sec. 4. Department's powers and duties. The Director of the Department shall establish a system of licensure for Community Living Facilities, in accordance with this Act, for the purposes of:

(1) Protecting the health, welfare and safety of residents;

(2) Insuring the provision of appropriate programming and support services for residents to promote their independence, personal growth, self-respect and ability to function in a more independent living arrangement;

(3) Insuring that the sites selected for Community Living Facilities enable residents to participate in community activities;

(4) Protecting residents' rights;

(5) Maintaining the integrity of communities by requiring regular monitoring and inspection of Community Living Facilities; insuring that minimum program and physical plant standards are maintained; and prohibiting the concentration of Community Living Facilities in residential neighborhoods.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/5) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4185)

Sec. 5. Licensing standards. The Department shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing minimum standards for licensing of Community Living Facilities. These rules shall regulate:

(1) The location of Community Living Facilities. These provisions shall insure that the Community Living Facilities are in appropriate neighborhoods and shall prohibit concentration of these housing programs in communities.

(2) The operation and conduct of Community Living Facilities.

(3) The general financial ability, competence, character and qualifications of the applicant to provide appropriate care and comply with this Act.

(4) The appropriateness, safety, cleanliness and general adequacy of the premises, including maintenance of adequate fire protection and health standards, conforming to State laws and municipal codes, to provide for the physical comfort, well-being, care and protection of the residents.

(5) The number, character, training and qualifications of personnel directly responsible for the residents.

(6) Provisions for food, clothing, educational opportunities, social activities, home furnishings and personal property to insure the healthy physical, emotional and mental development of residents.

(7) Implementation of habilitation plans for each resident.

(8) Provisions for residents to receive appropriate programming and support services commensurate with their individual needs, and to participate in decisions regarding their use of programs and support services.

Such services should include educational opportunities, vocational training and other day activities aimed at promoting independence and improving basic living skills.

(9) Provisions and criteria for admission, discharge and transfers at Community Living Facilities.

(10) Provisions specifying the role and responsibilities of residents for upkeep of their rooms and the overall maintenance and care of the Community Living Facilities. These provisions shall allow the residents to participate in normal, daily activities associated with community living.

(11) Provisions to insure that residents are notified of their legal rights, as defined in the rules promulgated pursuant to subsection (12) of this Section and to assist them in exercising these rights. Upon admission to a Community Living Facility, residents shall be provided a copy of their rights and related rules, regulations and policies, and the name, address and telephone number of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.

(12) Resident rights, which shall include, but need not be limited to, those guaranteed by the "Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code", as amended.

(13) Maintenance of records pertaining to the admission, habilitation, and discharge of residents, and to the general operation of Community Living Facilities.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/5.5)

Sec. 5.5. Closed captioning required. A Community Living Facility licensed under this Act must make reasonable efforts to have activated at all times the closed captioning feature on a television in a common area provided for use by the general public or in a resident's room, or enable the closed captioning feature when requested to do so by a member of the general public or a resident, if the television includes a closed captioning feature.

It is not a violation of this Section if the closed captioning feature is deactivated by a member of the Community Living Facility's staff after such feature is enabled in a common area or in a resident's room unless the deactivation of the closed captioning feature is knowing or intentional. It is not a violation of this Section if the closed captioning feature is deactivated by a member of the general public, a resident, or a member of the Community Living Facility's staff at the request of a resident of the Community Living Facility licensed under this Act.

If a Community Living Facility licensed under this Act does not have a television in a common area that includes a closed captioning feature, then the Community Living Facility licensed under this Act must ensure that all televisions obtained for common areas after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-116) include a closed captioning feature. This Section does not affect any other provision of law relating to disability discrimination or providing reasonable accommodations or diminish the rights of a person with a disability under any other law. Nothing in this Section shall apply to televisions that are privately owned by a resident or third party and not owned by the Community Living Facility.

As used in this Section, "closed captioning" means a text display of spoken words presented on a television that allows a deaf or hard of hearing viewer to follow the dialogue and the action of a program simultaneously.

(Source: P.A. 101-116, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(210 ILCS 35/5.10)

Sec. 5.10. Community Living Facility employee assistance programs. A Community Living Facility shall ensure that licensed health care professionals employed by the Community Living Facility are aware of employee assistance programs or other like programs available for the physical and mental well-being of the employee. The Community Living Facility shall provide information on these programs, no less than at the time of employment and during any benefit open enrollment period, by an information form about the respective programs that a licensed health care professional must sign during onboarding at the Community Living Facility. The signed information form shall be added to the licensed health care professional's personnel file. The Community Living Facility may provide this information to licensed health care professionals electronically.

(Source: P.A. 102-1007, eff. 1-1-23.)

(210 ILCS 35/6) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4186)

Sec. 6. Operation without a license. (1) Any person, agency, association, corporation, partnership, or organization which operates a Community Living Facility without a valid license from the Department is guilty of a business offense and shall be fined an amount in excess of $500 but not exceeding $10,000, and each day of violation is a separate violation. If the Department determines that a Community Living Facility is operating without a valid license, it shall report the results of its investigation to the Attorney General or to the appropriate State's Attorney for prosecution.

(2) No State or federal funds which are appropriated by the General Assembly or which pass through the General Revenue or any special fund in the State Treasury shall be paid to a Community Living Facility not having a license issued under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/7) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4187)

Sec. 7. Issuance of licenses. All Community Living Facilities shall be licensed by the Department. The procedures for obtaining a valid license are as follows:

(1) Application for a license shall be made on forms provided and in the manner prescribed by the Department. All applications shall be accompanied by an application fee of $200.

(2) Upon receipt of an application filed in proper order, the Department shall review the application and shall make an on-site evaluation of the proposed Community Living Facility.

(3) The evaluation shall be conducted by a qualified surveyor representing the Department. The Department may request that a representative from the Department of Human Services accompany the Department's surveyor.

(4) The Department may request assistance or advice from other State and local governmental or private entities in the inspection process, including, but not limited to the Department of Human Services and the State Fire Marshal.

(5) If the Department has determined on the basis of available documentation that the Community Living Facility is in substantial compliance with this Act and rules and regulations promulgated under this Act, it shall issue a probationary license. Such license shall be valid for a period not to exceed 6 months from the date of issuance. Within 30 days prior to the expiration of the probationary license, a qualified surveyor representing the Department shall conduct an on-site final evaluation. If, at the time of the final evaluation the Community Living Facility is in substantial compliance with this Act, the Department shall issue a regular license which replaces the probationary license.

(6) As a condition of the issuance or renewal of a license, the applicant or licensee shall file a statement of ownership, which shall be public information and which shall be available from the Department. The statement of ownership shall include: the name, address, telephone number, occupation, or business activity, business address and business telephone number of the person who is the owner of the Community Living Facility and every person who owns the building in which the Community Living Facility is located, if other than the owner of the Community Living Facility; the name of every partner and stockholder of the owner if the owner is a partnership or corporation; and, the address of any facility, wherever located, any financial interest in which is owned by the applicant or licensee, if the facility were required to be licensed if it were located in this State.

(Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(210 ILCS 35/8) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4188)

Sec. 8. Departmental inspection. (1) The Department may inspect the records and premises of a Community Living Facility whenever the Department determines appropriate.

(2) The Department shall investigate all reports of violation received from any other governmental entity which also has monitoring responsibility for Community Living Facilities.

(3) If the Department determines that a Community Living Facility is not in compliance with this Act or the rules and regulations promulgated under this Act, the Department shall promptly serve a notice of violation upon the licensee. Each notice of violation shall be prepared in writing and shall specify the nature of the violation, the statutory provision or rule alleged to have been violated, and the requirement that the licensee submit a plan of correction to the Department. The notice shall also inform the licensee of any other action which the Department might take pursuant to this Act and of his right to a hearing under subsection (1) of Section 12 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/8.5)

Sec. 8.5. Fire inspections; authority.

(a) Per the requirements of Public Act 96-1141, on January 1, 2011 a report titled "Streamlined Auditing and Monitoring for Community Based Services: First Steps Toward a More Efficient System for Providers, State Government, and the Community" was provided for members of the General Assembly. The report, which was developed by a steering committee of community providers, trade associations, and designated representatives from the Departments of Children and Family Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Human Services, and Public Health, issued a series of recommendations, including recommended changes to Administrative Rules and Illinois statutes, on the categories of deemed status for accreditation, fiscal audits, centralized repository of information, Medicaid, technology, contracting, and streamlined monitoring procedures. It is the intent of the 97th General Assembly to pursue implementation of those recommendations that have been determined to require Acts of the General Assembly.

(b) For facilities licensed under this Act, the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall provide the necessary fire inspection to comply with licensing requirements. The Office of the State Fire Marshal may enter into an agreement with another State agency to conduct this inspection if qualified personnel are employed by that agency. Code enforcement inspection of the facility by the local authority shall only occur if the local authority having jurisdiction enforces code requirements that are more stringent than those enforced by the State Fire Marshal. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a local fire authority from conducting fire incident planning activities.

(Source: P.A. 97-321, eff. 8-12-11.)

(210 ILCS 35/9) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4189)

Sec. 9. Regular licenses.

(1) A regular license shall be valid for a one-year period from the date of authorization. A license is not transferable.

(2) Within 120 to 150 days prior to the date of expiration of the license, the licensee shall apply to the Department for renewal of the license. The procedure for renewing a valid license for a Community Living Facility shall be the same as for applying for the initial license, pursuant to subsections (1) through (4) of Section 7 of this Act. If the Department has determined on the basis of available documentation that the Community Living Facility is in substantial compliance with this Act and the rules promulgated under this Act, and has provided to the Department an accurate disclosure document in accordance with the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Special Care Disclosure Act, it shall renew the regular license for another one-year period.

(3) Whenever ownership of a facility is transferred from the licensee to any other person, agency, association, corporation, partnership, or organization, the transferee must obtain a new probationary license. The transferee shall notify the Department of the transfer and apply for a new license at least 30 days prior to final transfer. The requirement for an on-site inspection in Section 7 may be waived if the Department has conducted a survey of the Community Living Facility within the past 60 days and the survey disclosed substantial compliance with this Act and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder.

(Source: P.A. 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

(210 ILCS 35/10) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4190)

Sec. 10. Procedures for filing a complaint. (1) Any person, agency, association or governmental body may file a complaint with the Department alleging that a Community Living Facility is in violation of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this Act.

(2) The Department may conduct an investigation in order to determine if the Community Living Facility is in compliance. If, based on the results of its investigation, the Department determines that the Community Living Facility is not in compliance, it shall promptly serve a notice of violation upon the licensee. Such notice of violation shall comply with the requirements described in subsection (3) of Section 8 of this Act. The Department may notify the complainant of its findings.

(3) The complaint, a copy of the complaint, or a record published, released or otherwise disclosed to the Community Living Facility shall not disclose the name of the complainant unless the complainant consents in writing to the disclosure or the investigation results in a judicial proceeding, or unless disclosure is essential to the investigation.

(4) A licensee or its agents shall not transfer, discharge, evict, harass, dismiss, or retaliate against a resident or an employee or agent who files a complaint under this Section 10 or who testifies under Section 12 of this Act because of the complaint or testimony.

(5) Any person participating in good faith in the making of a complaint, or in the investigation of such a complaint shall not be deemed to have violated any privileged communication and shall have immunity from any liability, civil, criminal or that otherwise might result as a consequence of making such a complaint. The good faith of any persons making a complaint or participating in the investigation of such a complaint shall be presumed.

(6) The owner and licensee are liable to a resident for any intentional or negligent act or omission of their agents or employees which injures the resident. In addition, the licensee shall pay actual damages, or $500, whichever is greater, and costs and attorney's fees to a resident whose rights under this Act or under rules and regulations promulgated hereunder are violated.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/11) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4191)

Sec. 11. Grounds for denial or revocation of a license. The Department may deny or begin proceedings to revoke a license if the applicant or licensee has been convicted of a felony or 2 or more misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, as shown by a certified copy of the court of conviction; if the Department determines after investigation that such person has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust; or upon other satisfactory evidence that the moral character of the applicant or licensee is not reputable. In addition, the Department may deny or begin proceedings to revoke a license at any time if the licensee:

(1) Submits false information either on Department licensure forms or during an inspection;

(2) Refuses to allow an inspection to occur;

(3) Violates this Act or rules and regulations promulgated under this Act;

(4) Violates the rights of its residents;

(5) Fails to submit or implement a plan of correction within the specified time period; or

(6) Fails to submit a workplace violence prevention plan in compliance with the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act.

(Source: P.A. 94-347, eff. 7-28-05.)

(210 ILCS 35/12) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4192)

Sec. 12. Right to hearing. (1) No license may be denied or revoked unless the applicant or licensee is given written notice of the grounds for the Department's action. The applicant or licensee may appeal the Department's proposed action within 15 days after receipt of the Department's written notice by making written request to the Department for a hearing. Notice of the time, place, and nature of the hearing shall be given to the applicant or licensee not less than 2 weeks prior to the date of the hearing. The hearing shall proceed, and the notice shall be delivered, in accordance with "The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act", approved September 22, 1975, as now or hereafter amended. The Director may appoint a hearing examiner to preside at any administrative hearing under this Act.

(2) If the applicant or licensee does not submit a request for a hearing as provided for in this Section, or if after conducting the hearing the Department determines that the license should not be issued, or that the license should be revoked or denied, the Department shall issue an order to that effect. If the order is to revoke the license, it shall specify that the order takes effect upon receipt by the licensee, and that the Community Living Facility shall not operate during the pendency of any proceeding for judicial review of the Department's decision, except under court order.

(3) Final administrative decisions shall be subject to judicial review exclusively as provided in the Administrative Review Law, as now or hereafter amended, except that any petition for judicial review of Department action under this Act shall be filed within 15 days after receipt of notice of the final agency determination. The term "administrative decision" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The court may stay enforcement of the Department's final decision if a showing is made that there is a substantial probability that the party seeking review will prevail on the merits and will suffer irreparable harm if the stay is not granted, and that the facility will meet the requirements of this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under this Act during such stay.

(4) The Director or hearing officer may compel by subpoena or subpoena duces tecum the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers, and administer oaths to witnesses.

All subpoenas issued by the Director or hearing officer may be served as provided for in civil actions. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as the fees for witnesses before the circuit court and shall be paid by the party to such proceeding at whose request the subpoena is issued. If such subpoena is issued at the request of the Department or by a person proceeding in forma pauperis the witness fee shall be paid by the Department as an administrative expense.

(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

(210 ILCS 35/13) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4193)

Sec. 13. Grounds for immediate closure. Any situation that exists at a Community Living Facility which may result in serious mental, psychological or physical harm to residents shall be abated or eliminated immediately. If the Department determines that such a situation exists and that proper measures to remedy the situation are not being taken, it shall immediately issue an order of closure and withdraw the residents and, with assistance from the Department of Human Services, place them in another residential setting prior to a hearing. Any such action by the Department shall be included in the evidence presented at the hearing. At the time of such action the Department shall begin license revocation proceedings, and the licensee shall retain the right to a hearing as described in Section 12.

(Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(210 ILCS 35/14) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4194)

Sec. 14. Closure of a Community Living Facility. If, at any time, a licensee determines that he will terminate the operation of a Community Living Facility which is licensed pursuant to this Act, he shall notify the Department of this decision at least 60 days prior to the date of closure.

When the Department is notified of a pending closure of a Community Living Facility, it shall immediately contact the Department of Human Services for assistance in identifying other appropriate residential settings. The Department shall review these options with the residents before making the transfer.

(Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(210 ILCS 35/15) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4195)

Sec. 15. Injunction. The operation or maintenance of a Community Living Facility in violation of this Act, or of rules and regulations promulgated under this Act, is declared a public nuisance inimical to the public welfare. The Director in the name of the people of the State, through the Attorney General, or the State's Attorney of the county in which the facility is located, may, in addition to other remedies herein provided, bring action for an injunction to restrain such violation or to enjoin the future operation or maintenance of any such Community Living Facility.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/16) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4196)

Sec. 16. Savings Provision. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the outcome of any actions pending before or on the effective date of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 82-567.)

(210 ILCS 35/18) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4197)

Sec. 18. Community Living Facilities currently licensed or having made application. Community Living Facilities currently operating with licenses issued under the "Nursing Home Care Act", approved August 23, 1979, as amended, or having made application to the Department for licenses as of March 31, 1982, under the "Nursing Home Care Act" or under this Act shall be issued probationary licenses when this Act becomes effective and shall be eligible for licensure as a Community Living Facility as defined under Section 3 of this Act, except that such facilities shall not be limited to 20 residents as provided under Section 3. Such facilities shall be limited to those number of beds above 20, not to exceed 80, licensed or applied for within the year immediately preceding March 31, 1982. In addition, any facility otherwise meeting the definition of a Community Living Facility in Section 3 of this Act which was licensed and was serving adults with a severe and profound developmental disability as well as adults with a mild or moderate developmental disability as of January 1, 1986, may continue to provide services to these adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities, provided that such facility complies with any special conditions which may be set by the Department for such services.

(Source: P.A. 88-380.)