Many careers in health care administration combine healthcare knowledge with business expertise. One such career is nursing home administration. As the person in charge of managing everything from operations to the medical and dietary needs of residents, a nursing home administrator needs a broad range of skills and experience. In Illinois, the state requires specific college degrees and professional experience for licensure.
What is a Nursing Home Administrator?
A nursing home administrator directs daily functions according to federal, state, county, and local regulations. Their goal is to ensure the highest quality care for residents at all times (“Defining Staff Roles”). The administrator’s responsibilities vary based on the size of the facility. In larger facilities, they oversee department heads, such as those in finance, food service, building maintenance, and social services. They create and maintain budgets, train staff, and handle marketing and public relations. They also interact with residents and families to meet needs and fill vacancies promptly.
The most crucial responsibility of a nursing home administrator is staying updated on laws and regulations governing long-term care facilities. These laws require expertise and diligence to understand and apply. Administrators create and enforce policies, either personally or through department heads, ensuring the facility complies with all regulations. The administrator reports directly to the facility owner unless they are the owner themselves.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) outlines the educational and professional requirements for nursing home administrator licensure. Applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree in any field, completion of an approved nursing home administration course, or proof of a three-year nursing program and two years of qualifying experience. Alternatively, they can apply with an associate degree and qualifying experience. Applicants can also apply by endorsement if they complete the Professional Certification Program for Nursing Home Administrators.
IDFPR defines “qualifying experience” as two years of full-time employment as an Assistant Nursing Home Administrator or Director of Nursing in a licensed facility, or two years of management experience in a corporation that owns licensed nursing homes.
With such extensive responsibilities, the licensing requirements are attainable for healthcare professionals looking to expand their careers. The state allows applicants to work as an administrator for up to 90 days during the licensing process. However, without meeting the minimum requirements, applicants cannot work as a nursing home administrator long-term in Illinois.
How Can 1818 Help?
If you are an Illinois licensee and IDFPR wants to open an investigation or case against you, contact 1818 today. Our experienced professional license defense attorneys can help you effectively navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests.
Don’t risk your license and livelihood; call us at (312) 779-1818 or fill out our online contact form for further assistance and expert advice.
