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Gov.
Blagojevich signs legislation to help keep nursing home residents
comfortable and safe 
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Air
conditioning, heat now a requirement in nursing homes
[August 10, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R.
Blagojevich signed legislation Thursday to help protect nursing home
residents from extreme heat during the summer months and cold during
the winter.
House Bill 892, sponsored by state Rep. Jack D. Franks,
D-Woodstock, and state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Highwood, requires all
nursing homes to provide air conditioning and heating in all areas
used by residents.
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"As we've seen just this week, Illinois weather can be extreme. It's
hard to imagine that senior citizens in nursing homes may not have
something as fundamental as heat or air conditioning, but by signing
this law, we will make sure they will," said Blagojevich.
Areas of a nursing home used by residents, including bedrooms or
common areas such as sitting rooms, activity rooms, living rooms,
community rooms and dining rooms, must be air-conditioned or heated.
"For senior citizens and people with disabilities, hot summer
days can be dangerous," said Franks. "This legislation will ensure
that people living in nursing homes are safe from the scorching
temperatures we've seen lately."
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 "As the mercury continues to rise this time of year, we must do
what we can to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of
extreme heat," said Garrett. "I am proud to be part of this
legislation, which keeps those living in nursing homes safe from
heat-related illness."
The Illinois Department of Public Health will review all nursing
home plans to install new air-conditioning and heating systems. The
department will also submit a report to the General Assembly
assessing the effect of this new requirement on nursing homes and
their residents.
This law goes into effect immediately.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
