Regulatory Oversight & Licensure
On a regular basis, the Illinois Department of Public Health makes an unannounced inspection of all licensed and certified facilities to see if the facility is doing its job. State surveyors should focus on outcome- has the resident achieved his/her "highest practicable level of functioning." If there are problems with outcome, surveyors will review staffing levels, the health status and hygiene of each resident, food service and nutrition, and monitor medical records and documentation.
These survey reports are public records, so you can ask to read the facility's latest survey. Do you notice any reoccurring patterns of problems or certain areas that are deficient? This may provide you with questions to ask and may also provide answers to many of your questions. Feel free to talk to the Administrator or admissions representative about the survey and to review the facility's response. Just remember these reports should not be the only thing on which you base your decision. A poorly run facility may get a good report. You want to use the reports for determining if there are any patterns of problems over a period of time. All IHCA member facilities have been licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
For more information contact:
Illinois Health Care Association
1029 South Fourth Street
Springfield, IL 62703-2224
800-252-8988
217-528-0452-fax
info@ihca.com
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