A press release from State Senator Pam Althoff:

New law allows Misericordia to operate under one license

Springfield, IL… Governor Rauner signed legislation on Thursday co-sponsored by State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) that allows Misericordia, a facility for the developmentally disabled, to operate under one license.

Senate Bill 2610, signed into law as PA 99-0892, creates a Continuum of Care License for facilities like Misericordia who provide services for a wide variety of individuals with disabilities. Misericordia is a large campus facility with approximately 650 residents in the Chicago area. It is the only facility in the state that provides services for individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and has a range of residential options.

Prior to this new law, the licensing structure in Illinois did not recognize a facility like Misericordia. Instead, it established several categories of licenses.

Each home at Misericordia was required to be licensed separately.

Under the new law Misericordia would hold a single license—the Continuum of Care License.

Pam Althoff

“This new license will make it easier for Misericordia to move residents among the different residential settings as their needs change,” said Sen. Althoff.

“Currently, transferring residents is extremely difficult and time consuming because each home has a separate license requiring transfer permission from the State.

“This new law streamlines the system, making it better for the individuals the facility is trying to help.”