Rep. Norine Hammond | norinehammond.org
Rep. Norine Hammond | norinehammond.org
Norine Hammond's (R-Macomb) bill to give wider accessibility to the Department of Aging's ombudsman services recently passed the House unanimously with 98 yes votes.
Prior to the March 4 vote, Hammond explained the bill's importance.
"This bill brings to life the ombudsman program that currently exists in the state of Illinois. Obviously, it wasn't very well known until we got into the pandemic but we want to make sure all residents and their families are aware of the program. I would appreciate an aye vote," said Hammond.
Originally authorized in 2013, the Ombudsman Program protects the rights of the elderly who have received a medical care termination letter or have been denied in-home services. The program can also help those not satisfied with the quality of managed care services. Ombudsmen can be reached at the helpline at 1-800-252-8966 or 711 (TRS).
Hammond's bill aims to make the program more accessible by requiring licensed home care facilities to supply information about the state's ombudsmen program on their web sites.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Vandalia).
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