SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health's assisted living program is now up and running and has issued the state's first licenses for these establishments.

The Department has issued 24 licenses under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, which requires these types of establishments to obtain a license to operate.

"These establishments have been largely unregulated in the past," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "The act created a consistent set of rules and procedures, which will help protect residents."

The act ensures that consumers receive a standard package of services when they purchase an assisted living program, and requires that any establishment offering or advertising such services seek licensure.

An assisted living establishment provides community-based residential care for at least three unrelated adults who need assistance with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing or bathing. At least 80 percent of the residents must be 55 years of age or older.

Under the law, licensed establishments will be able to help residents with daily living activities. Previously, assisted living establishments could not provide these services and had to contract with an outside health care agency to perform these tasks.

Licenses are valid for one year and an on-site inspection by Department staff is required prior to license renewal.

The legislation passed Dec. 22, 1999, and became effective Jan. 1, 2001. Following the effective date, regulators, consumer and senior advocates, and industry representatives met over the course of nearly a year to draft rules and regulations. The Department convened three public hearings around the state and responded to more than 400 public comments in drafting the regulations, which went into effect Dec. 1, 2001. The Department began processing licensure applications in February and issued the first round of licenses in July.