Manley Advances Bills Strengthening Nursing Home Safety, Consumer Protections for Seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Crucial emergency response for nursing homes may improve, thanks to legislation spearheaded by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, who passed a bill out of the House chamber Tuesday requiring long-term care facilities to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on premise.

“Preparedness saves lives. That’s why it’s so important staff of long-term care facilities and nursing homes are trained and ready to respond to residents experiencing a cardiac emergency,” said Manley.

House Bill 1287 aims to support faster care for long-term care or nursing home residents experiencing a cardiac emergency. All long-term care facilities would be required to purchase an AED by 2030, and employees who would operate the defibrillator must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED-use. If passed, Illinois would join a handful of other states who have implemented similar requirements to improve nursing home safety.

“Every second counts in emergencies like these — having an AED on premise and training nursing home staff means less time waiting on medical help to arrive, and more time proactively caring for the resident,” said Manley.

Manley ultimately garnered unanimous support on the House floor, successfully passing the legislation onto the next chamber. The legislation now awaits Senate action. Additionally, Manley voted to pass measures strengthening consumer protections for older adults. House Bill 1865 (D- Scherer) curbs abusive practices by regulating how health insurance representatives can communicate with individuals over the age of 65, who are suffering from dementia, living in a long-term care facility or nursing home. Similarly, House Bill 266 (D-Ryan) would prohibit companies from sending deceptive “expired warranty” mail when the recipient has no warranty or relationship with the company.

Both measures received support across the aisle and await bicameral action.