Governor JB Pritzker recently signed House Bill 2474 (HB 2474) into law, effectively safeguarding nursing home residents from retaliation should they exercise their rights. To speak to an attorney about your or your loved one’s rights, contact our expert team at Disparti Law Group for a FREE consultation. Call (312) 600-6000 today.
Key Takeaways
- Nursing home residents who experience retaliation for exercising their rights can now file a civil lawsuit.
- The new law also requires nursing home staff members to undergo training in retaliation action prevention.
- Illinois nursing homes must annually notify residents of their rights regarding retaliation and how to make a nursing home complaint.
House Bill 2474, sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), was officially signed into law on March 21, 2025, after being passed by the Illinois state Senate and House. Originally written to amend the Child Care Act of 1969, lawmakers pivoted to a bill that would help prevent retaliatory actions in Illinois nursing homes.
Illinois Law Protecting Nursing Home Residents from Retaliation
The new Illinois nursing home law defines “retaliatory action” as
“an action that is taken in retaliation for a resident’s involvement in certain protected activities and that interferes with a resident’s quality of life at the facility or results in either the imposition of selective restrictions or the resident’s neglect or reduced access to services.”
Nursing home residents who face retaliation or threats due to exercising their rights will have up to two years to file a civil lawsuit against the nursing home and potentially recover damages. To further protect nursing home residents from retaliation, nursing home staff members will also be required to undergo training in retaliatory action prevention.
Additionally, residents and their families must receive annual notices informing their rights. Facilities must also display information about these protections in a visible location for residents, employees, and visitors.
When will the new Illinois nursing home law go into effect?
Although the bill was passed in early 2025, it will not go into effect until January 1, 2026. However, it may not be too soon to reach out to an attorney to discuss your options leading up to the effective date.
How to File a Complaint for Retaliation in a Nursing Home
Complaints must be sent to to Department of Public Health. However, if you or your loved one wants to file a lawsuit for retaliation in a nursing home, consider contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer who is an expert on the process. Civil lawsuits can be extremely complicated, but an experienced attorney can provide the legal support you need to seek justice for the treatment you or your loved one endured.
This law is a crucial step in protecting the rights and dignity of nursing home residents. No one should ever fear retaliation for speaking out about mistreatment or inadequate care. – Attorney Larry Disparti
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
At Disparti Law Group, we stand with residents and their families in holding facilities accountable and ensuring every individual receives the respect and quality care they deserve. You or your loved one deserves justice. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer today. For a FREE consultation, even before the new Illinois nursing home law goes into effect, call us today at (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say…. Larry wins!
