CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes spearheaded a measure that would modify administrator standards for developmental disability centers to be closer to assisted living facilities.
“We want to provide the best possible care for residents with disabilities,” said Cervantes. “This measure increases facilities’ ability to properly care for all of their residents, no matter what disability they have.”
The measure would adjust the requirements of administrators at intermediate care and developmental disability facilities, making them more similar to assisted living facilities than nursing homes. It would also mandate that facility administrators participate in at least 20 training hours every two years.
In order to be an administrator, someone must have a license under the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act, be qualified as an intellectual disabilities professional, completed four semesters of higher education with two years of management experience, or have two years of experience in a position with progressive health care responsibility. However, they would also need to be at least 21 years old.
“There is a shortage of nursing home administrators for developmental disability centers, and this measure makes it easier for these facilities to find qualified professionals for these positions,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Changing the requirements for developmental disability centers’ administrators makes more professionals able to fill the positions, ensuring that residents in these facilities receive the services that can help treat their disabilities.”
House Bill 4112 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.
