Politics & Government
Welch Honored for New Law to Protect Discharged Hospital Patients
Legislation requires that Illinois health facilities refer discharged patients to only licensed home care agencies.
(Hillside, IL) – Is a family member or loved one recently discharged from an Illinois hospital receiving a referral for a reputable home care agency?
Starting next year, the answer will be: yes.
A newly approved Illinois law, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside), will now require that health facilities throughout the state refer discharged patients to only a home health agency, home nursing agency, or home services agency that is licensed by the State of Illinois.
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Welch’s effort to win passage in the Illinois House of the measure, Senate Bill 1676, drew praise and an official recognition by advocates promoting the legislation.
“There have been health facilities throughout the state, including hospitals, that include non-licensed home care agencies on their patient discharge referral lists, a practice that puts patients at risk,” said Home Care Association of America–Illinois Chapter board president Katie Fielmann. “Thanks to Rep. Welch, that practice will end, and for his crucial role in the passage of the law we want to officially thank him on behalf of the patients to whom we provide care.”
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Fielmann, franchise owner and president of Comfort Keepers in Wood Dale, was joined by the group’s other board members, Aishling Dalton Kelly, owner and president of Aishling Companion Home Care in Orland Park, and Karen Stephenson, franchise owner and president of Home Instead Senior Care in Chicago, to present a “legislative leadership award” plaque to Welch at his Westchester district office on November 20.
“The new law aims to ensure that patients discharged from hospitals, nursing homes or other health facilities receive reputable referrals for their in-home care,” said Welch. “I’m proud to have sponsored the bill and I am deeply grateful for the recognition by the Home Care Association of America-Illinois Chapter.”
The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) in the Illinois Senate and signed by Governor Bruce Rauner on August 11, enters into force on January 1, 2018.
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