Staying ahead of regulatory change isn’t optional—it’s foundational to quality care, operational stability, and survey readiness. That’s why Forum once again hosted its annual Illinois Regulatory Update, offering providers a timely, clear look at what’s happening now—and what to watch next.

This year’s session was presented by Jonathan Harwood, MSN, RN, Division Chief of Long-Term Care Field Operations with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The webinar delivered a practical overview of top-cited deficiencies, state and federal updates, and enforcement trends, helping providers translate regulation into action.

What Providers Need to Know Now

With regulatory requirements continuing to evolve at both the state and federal level, Mr. Harwood focused on the areas where providers are most likely to see scrutiny—and where proactive attention can make the biggest difference.

Top-Cited Deficiencies in Skilled Nursing
The presentation reviewed the most frequently cited areas in Illinois long-term care surveys, including:

• Accidents, hazards, supervision, and assistive devices
• Infection prevention and control
• Quality of care
• Abuse and neglect
• Activities of daily living (ADL) care
• Food procurement, storage, and service

These categories continue to represent a significant share of citations statewide, reinforcing the importance of consistent systems, documentation, and staff education.

Survey Focus Areas: What Surveyors Are Looking For

Beyond the citation lists, the session emphasized how surveyors evaluate compliance, particularly in areas such as:

• Maintaining environments free of avoidable accident hazards
• Ensuring adequate supervision and assistance devices
• Establishing and sustaining effective infection prevention programs
• Delivering care aligned with professional standards and person-centered plans
• Protecting resident rights related to abuse, neglect, and restraint use

Understanding not just what is cited—but how compliance is assessed—can help facilities prepare more confidently for surveys.

Key State & Federal Updates

The webinar also covered notable updates impacting Illinois providers, including:

• Federal survey activity resumption and enforcement processes
• Updates tied to Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) memos and revised Appendix PP guidance
• Ongoing emphasis on staffing, PBJ reporting, and QAPI
• New and emerging state initiatives, including medication aide programs, behavioral management units, and distressed facility oversight
• AED requirements and policy expectations within facilities

Together, these updates underscore a continued shift toward accountability, transparency, and resident safety across care settings.

Why This Matters

Regulatory change can feel overwhelming—but staying informed is one of the most effective tools providers have to protect residents, support staff, and reduce survey risk. Sessions like this annual update help turn regulation into clarity, replacing uncertainty with preparation.

Watch the Webinar On Demand

If you weren’t able to attend live—or want to revisit the content—the Illinois Regulatory Update webinar is available on demand for continuing education credit. 

Access the free webinar to stay survey-ready and informed.