Survey readiness starts with knowing where regulators are focusing their attention. Forum's annual Illinois Regulatory Update offered long-term care and assisted living providers a timely review of frequently cited deficiencies and developments to watch as 2027 approaches.
Presented by Jonathan Harwood, MSN, RN, Bureau Chief of Long Term Care with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the webinar covered key regulatory priorities affecting Illinois providers.
Top-Cited Deficiencies in Skilled Nursing
Among the top-issued citations discussed were:
- Accidents, hazards, supervision, and devices
- Infection prevention and control
- Abuse and neglect
- Quality of care
- Food procurement, storage, and service
- Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment
These areas underscore the importance of safe environments, resident protections, effective infection control, and care consistent with professional standards.
Assisted Living: Key Areas of Focus
The presentation also identified frequently cited assisted living requirements involving:
- Service plans and resident rights
- Alzheimer's/dementia care
- Personnel qualifications, staffing, and training
- Disaster preparedness
- Physician assessments
Service plans must reflect residents' assessments and choices and be reviewed at least annually or as needed. Comprehensive physician assessments must also be completed at least annually.
Federal, State, and Legislative Updates
Other topics included:
- Federal Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) memos, and CMS staffing initiatives
- Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Program opportunities
- IDPH licensing and certification systems, surveys, and provider education
- Medication aide programs, AED requirements, and essential support persons
- Legislative topics involving assisted living, electronic monitoring, and nursing home incident reporting
Understanding where deficiencies are being cited—and which requirements warrant attention—helps providers focus their reviews, reinforce daily practices, and approach surveys with greater confidence.
If you weren't able to attend live—or want to revisit the information—watch Forum's Illinois Regulatory Update webinar on demand.
