Althoff Passes Group & Nursing Home Reform Bill

A press release from State Senator Pam Althoff:

IL Senate passes “Paul’s Law” to combat group home abuse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Senate on Wednesday approved tough new legislation aimed at combating the abuse of the developmentally disabled, says State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), the sponsor of the measure.

Pam Althoff

House Bill 653, “Paul’s Law,” is named for 42 year-old Paul McCann – a resident of a downstate group home who was brutally murdered by an employee at the facility. It passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“It’s a shame this law was even necessary,” Althoff said.

“When we entrust our loved ones to a care facility – whether a nursing home or a group home – we expect them to receive the best quality of care possible.

“Not only did that not happen in this case, but Paul was viciously killed by the very caregiver who was supposed to be looking after him. My hope is this legislation will eliminate this type of sickening crime from ever happening again.”

Paul’s Law makes several changes to state law aimed at toughening oversight of group homes.

Among its provisions –

  • placing independent observers in facilities where residents are believed to be at risk,
  • a state review of facilities’ funding and licenses which have seen claims of neglect and abuse, and
  • requiring regular background checks of group home employees.

If in the course of a review an employee is found to have been involved of cases of abuse or neglect, that employment must be terminated.

The group home where Paul was killed – Charleston’s Graywood facility – has been the subject of more than 40 investigations since 2008, including the deaths of two residents.

Two of Graywood’s former caregivers are currently facing first-degree murder charges for Paul’s death.

Paul’s Law came about as the result of the McCann family, which has worked hard over the past year to change state law and ensure the horrible crime that happened to Paul would never happen to others.

The measure was sponsored in the Illinois House by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).

While the legislation is too late to save Paul, Sen. Althoff says his death will not be in vain.

“By passing this law, we will not only save lives, but the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Althoff said. “This is Paul’s legacy to all of us, and for that we are eternally grateful.”


Comments

Althoff Passes Group & Nursing Home Reform Bill — 2 Comments

  1. So Pam is again increasing government bureaucracy which as a practical matter accomplishs nothing.

    It does let Pam talk about reform instead of saying more bureacracy that accomplishes nothing.

    Pam is a retired teacher (which means “I am liberal”) and Democrats have her vote anytime there is a close vote. Democrat union money (big bucks) went to Pam to defeat a Democrat in the general election, the first time she had to run for a Springfield election.

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