McHenry Times

Bipartisan legislation that addresses social isolation experienced by nursing home residents passed the state Senate last week and now is in a House committee. 

Not that State Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles) is complaining, at least not about this particular bill.

"It was a pleasure to work with Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) on the passage of this important legislation,"  DeWitte said in a Facebook post April 29. "This last year was incredibly difficult for seniors who were unable to touch or hug their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, and SB 2137 will ensure that moving forward, we place more of a balance between physical and social-emotional health."

Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) | Facebook

The legislation, which had almost three dozen co-sponsors in the Senate, would require long-term care facilities in the state to have written policies and procedures aimed at preventing social isolation among its residents. Those procedures would include providing technology that would allow Internet access and provide for visits with loved ones. The legislation also would mandate inspections to ensure the care facilities are in with social isolation prevention protocols as a licensure condition.

SB 2137 passed 53 yeas, no nays and six Senators no voting.

"The passage of this bill represents bipartisanship at its best," DeWitte said. "I appreciate the full support of the Senate and look forward to the bill's passage in the House in the coming weeks."