Several new Illinois laws take effect in the coming days, including one that impacts fire departments and nursing facilities.
Under House Bill 2336, municipalities and fire protection districts may charge assisted living or nursing homes for lift-assist calls after the sixth response. The fees must not exceed the actual cost of personnel and equipment.
The Illinois Municipal League backed the bill, saying frequent lift-assist calls pull emergency crews away from life-threatening situations and add strain on staffing and equipment.
Some senior living facilities say the impact will be minimal, while others that rely more heavily on fire departments could see new costs.
