HFS surveys on in-home shift nursing needs

We are excited to share that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is undertaking three surveys right now to better understand the in-home shift nursing landscape and family needs. These surveys are part of the Home Care Program evaluation required by Public Act 104-0009, 305 ILCS 5/5–2b(d). 

• Home nursing agency survey: Agencies will receive an email from ILHCBS@mslc.com on October 1, 2026. The survey asks about the agency’s workforce and experience providing Home Care services. Follow the submission instructions in the survey and submit it by November 30, 2026. Agencies can email ILHCBS@mslc.com with questions.  

• Family/participant survey: Families and Home Care Program participants have received a survey by email from University of Illinois Chicago Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC). It opened October 1 and will remain open for 60 days. It asks about the participant’s experience with the Program and is available to families in both the MFTD Waiver and non-waiver programs.  

• Nurse survey: RNs, LPNs, and CNAs providing services through the Home Care Program are encouraged to complete this short survey about the challenges and successes of providing care. Nurses can access it on the DSCC website here. It opened on October 1 and remain open for 60 days. Only one response is allowed per nurse; please answer from your own experience.  

Feedback from these surveys will help HFS and DSCC understand what is working, identify challenges, and guide future improvements to the Home Care Program including  how it determines rates and payments for services. 

Please keep an eye out for these surveys and share your experience!