Group to Examine State Procedures, Industry Practices
CHICAGO – October 3, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn announced the formation of the Nursing Home Safety Task Force to improve Illinois’ nursing homes system and ensure the safety of residents.
“We will make sure Illinois’ nursing homes offer a safe haven for residents, many of whom are among our most vulnerable and needy,” said Governor Quinn. “The Nursing Home Safety Task Force will address this critical issue with all deliberate speed.”
Governor Quinn named his Senior Advisory of Health Policy Michael Gelder to lead the group, which includes senior Illinois agency leaders from across state government.
Illinois agencies participating on the Task Force include: Department of Public Health; Department of Healthcare and Family Services; Department on Aging; Department of Corrections; Department of Veterans' Affairs; Housing Development Authority; Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Police. This senior-executive level group will also tap the expertise of outside experts, advocates and industry groups.
“The Nursing Home Safety Task Force is dedicated to swiftly fulfilling its charge to protect the security of nursing home residents,” said Gelder. “We look forward to working with those in the long term care community to develop and implement new approaches.”
The Task Force will examine: existing policies and procedures; improving coordination and communication among state agencies; alternatives to institutional placement; and working with nursing homes to ensure residents’ safety.
Public Meetings
The following is a list of previous & scheduled public meetings:
(more meetings will be added as details are finalized)
4th Meeting - Thursday, November 19th, 2009 - 9:30AM-12PM - Chicago, Thompson Center, Room 2-025
3rd Meeting – Thursday, October 29th, 2009 – 8:30AM-11AM – IL State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Auditorium, Springfield
2nd Meeting – Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 – 10AM-1PM – Chicago, Thompson Center, Room 16-503
1st Meeting - Thursday, October 8th, 2009 – 9:30AM-12PM – Chicago, Thompson Center, Room 2-025
Post Your Comments & Ideas
The task force wants to hear from the public on this important issue.
You may provide your name and email address, but you are not required to do so. Comments and ideas will be shared with the task force and also may be subject to public disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Thank you.