New Illinois Bill Seeks Stronger Protections for Nursing Home Residents

Apr 8

Placing Trust in Care – And What Happens When It’s Broken

Making the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is often one of the hardest choices a family will face. It requires trust—trust that the staff will provide proper care, treat residents with respect, and ensure their safety and dignity each day.

Unfortunately, we know that this trust is not always honored. At Rosenberg, Eisenberg & Shactman LLC, we represent families across Illinois who have been devastated by the effects of nursing home neglect, abuse, and retaliation. These are not just legal cases—they’re deeply personal, often emotional situations involving our most vulnerable citizens.

We believe every resident deserves to live in a safe, supportive environment. That’s why we’re encouraged by the introduction of Illinois House Bill 2474, which aims to strengthen protections for nursing home residents who speak out against mistreatment.

About House Bill 2474: A Step Toward Accountability

Proposed by Illinois State Representative Lakesia Collins, HB 2474 focuses on a crucial issue many families are unaware of: retaliation against residents who report problems within nursing homes.

Whether it’s substandard care, medical neglect, emotional abuse, or outright physical harm, residents (or their families) may hesitate to come forward, fearing the consequences. This new bill is designed to change that by creating safeguards and legal remedies for those who speak up.

Key Provisions of the Bill Include:

● 🛑 Prohibiting retaliation by nursing homes when residents or their representatives file complaints, cooperate with investigations, or report abuse or neglect.

● ⚖️ Empowering families to take legal action, including the right to file civil lawsuits and pursue damages if retaliation occurs.

● 📢 Requiring annual notification to every resident about their legal rights related to retaliation and reporting abuse.

● 📋 Mandating staff training and clear internal procedures to prevent retaliatory behavior and promote a culture of transparency.

Why This Law Matters Now More Than Ever

The COVID-19 pandemic brought long-overdue attention to the conditions in many long-term care facilities. Families were separated from their loved ones, and oversight diminished. As a result, countless issues went unreported or unnoticed until it was too late.

Even today, we regularly hear from families who say:

“I knew something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know what to do.”
“My mom was afraid to say anything because she didn’t want to be treated worse.”
“We complained once—and things only got worse after that.”

This bill represents hope and a legal backbone for those families. It affirms that residents should never be punished for telling the truth—and facilities must be held accountable if they do.

What to Do If You Suspect Retaliation or Abuse

If you believe your parent or loved one has been mistreated—or worse, retaliated against—for raising concerns about their care, you are not alone. The attorneys at Rosenberg, Eisenberg & Shactman LLC are here to help.

We have years of experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, including those involving:

● Physical abuse or unexplained injuries

● Emotional or psychological mistreatment

● Falls and untreated medical conditions

● Malnutrition or dehydration

● Improper medication administration

● Intimidation or punishment after reporting concerns
Our legal team will investigate the facts, guide you through your options, and fight to hold negligent facilities accountable.

You Don’t Have to Stay Silent — And You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone

We believe in protecting the elderly and vulnerable. If House Bill 2474 passes, it will be a vital step forward—but you already have legal rights today, and we’re here to help you use them.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us support you in seeking justice for your loved one.
Together, we can make nursing homes safer—for every family.

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Michael Eisenberg