CHICAGO – Continuing his efforts to alleviate the shortage of qualified professionals in the human services workforce, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes led a newly signed law to update developmental disability centers’ administrator standards so they are more similar to assisted living facilities.
“Members of our community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve the best care possible,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This is a common-sense step that will increase the number of qualified individuals who can care for people with disabilities, making sure facilities can better meet the needs of their residents.”
The law modifies administrator requirements for intermediate care and developmental disability facilities, making them closer to assisted living facilities than nursing homes. The law also requires at least 20 hours of training in operations and facility management every two years for administrators.
In order to be an administrator, someone must be licensed under the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act, have an intellectual disabilities professional qualification, 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. The candidate also needs to be at least 21 years old.
“This law will help developmental disability centers fill administrator positions with qualified professionals, lessening the impact of the shortage for these jobs,” said Cervantes. “By helping facilities find individuals for administrator positions, we are increasing access to quality care for residents.”
House Bill 4112 was signed into law Friday and takes effect July 1, 2027.
