March 21, 2024
A slew of bills that could have a big impact on healthcare practitioners and consumers are on the table in Springfield during this current legislative session. The bills, if passed, “could lead to really good things,” says Wellspring’s founder, Sheila McMackin, MSW, LCSW. But she also notes that one of the bills—HB 4884—could negatively affect many businesses and the consumers who rely on them.
“I think HB4884 in particular has not received enough media coverage,” says Sheila.
- HB 4884 (Guardian – Adult with Disabilities) This bill would amend the Probate Act of 1975. If guardianship is necessary and the petition for guardianship is filed by a person, corporation, nonprofit organization, or other entity with no legally recognized relationship to the alleged person with a disability, the court shall appoint the county public guardian as temporary and permanent guardian. The bill proposes that guardianships no longer be assigned to private companies that specialize in this service.
Sheila notes that she’s not taking a stand on HB 4884 or any other bills. “My goal is to simply encourage people to be aware and make their voices heard,” she explains.
Here’s a list, provided by Chloe Compton, Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs at the Illinois Homecare & Hospice Council (IHHC), of several other bills that might be of interest to the people who read this blog:
- HB 4178 (Paid Family Caregivers Program): Requires the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for an HCBS State Plan Amendment to allow for the reimbursement of legally responsible family caregivers as providers of personal care/home health aide services for medically fragile and technology-dependent children.
- SB 3714 (Hospice/Palliative Care Professional Loan Repayment Program): Creates the Community Hospice and Palliative Care Professional Loan Repayment Program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Coalition, to provide student loan repayment assistance to qualifying professionals, and lays out program eligibility requirements.
- HB 5040 (Health Care Licensing Background Checks): Automatically disqualifies and revokes the license for any healthcare worker who fails a background check, with the ability for the licensee to appeal the decision.
- HB 5281 (MFTD Rate Increase): Increases the Medicaid reimbursement for private duty nursing services for medically fragile and technology dependent populations by 7%.
“It’s important for all of us to stay aware, communicate and talk about the bills that involve our professions,” Sheila says, “even if something may not seem to be in our wheelhouse. It’s incumbent upon all of us to stay aware, review things, and especially voice our opinions.”
The alternative? “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you will be on the menu.”
What you can do
Stay in touch with your professional associations, such as:
- Illinois Homecare & Hospice Council
- National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter
- American Nurses Association-Illinois
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
You may also find these publications from IHHC helpful: Advocacy 101 (click on “Tips for Communicating” and The Basics of Illinois Government.
The 103rd general assembly adjourns on May 24.