SHARED HOUSING-PLAN REVIEWS
The bill aims to standardize and streamline the approval process for new construction in the assisted living sector, which could accelerate development timelines. By imposing structured review periods, SB3493 seeks to improve operational efficiencies, thereby encouraging increased investment in this type of housing. Additionally, all fees collected related to the review process will go into the newly established Health Facility Plan Review Fund, designated for managing expenses associated with these evaluations. This financial mechanism aims to create a sustainable funding model for the regulatory process.
SB3493 amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act to introduce a comprehensive review process for new construction or substantial alterations to assisted living and shared housing facilities. Prior to undertaking such projects, applicants must submit detailed architectural drawings and specifications to the Illinois Department of Public Health for evaluation. The bill stipulates clear timelines within which the Department must communicate the status of the submissions, including a 10-business day period to determine submission completeness, followed by a 60-day review window for the Department to approve or disapprove the plans. If the Department fails to act within this timeframe, the construction will be automatically deemed approved.
However, there are concerns regarding the robustness of the review process. Critics argue that the automated approval feature—wherein plans are deemed approved if the Department does not act within specific timelines—could lead to substandard construction practices if thorough evaluations are not conducted. The balance between expediting construction and ensuring high safety and quality standards poses a potential area of contention. Furthermore, as the bill stands, the provisions for fee adjustments every three to five years may also provoke debate among policymakers regarding the sufficiency and fairness of these fees based on varying project costs.