IDPH Confirms In-Person Supervisory Visits Still Mandatory in Illinois

​Last week, IDPH Home Services & Home Nursing Licensing Supervisor Rani Harms confirmed that the governor has not suspended in-person supervisory visits at this time; therefore, they are still mandatory. Virtual supervisory visits are acceptable to fulfill this requirement if the following three criteria are met:

1. The client must be the individual refusing the supervisor’s entry into the home.
2. This denial of entry must be documented with the date in question.
3. The supervisory visit must then proceed virtually to ensure quality care.

 
Harms reminded providers that the supervisory visit is intended to “assess relationships and determine that the aide furnishes care in a safe and effective manner by following the patient's plan, demonstrating competency with assigned tasks, complying with infection prevention and control policies and procedures, reporting changes in the patient's condition, honoring patient's rights, and maintaining open communication.”
 
Although face-to-face supervisory visits are preferred, IDPH understands some accommodations may need to be made. However, it cannot be the agency who is refusing to enter the home to conduct visits.