26-482DPH-HLTHC-B-51707 | Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR)

The Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Health Care Regulation is soliciting quotes for Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) services for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. The contract period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with an estimated workload of 150 hours per year. The selected contractor will provide federal IDR services as mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) State Operations Manual, specifically reviewing disputed survey citations (CMS-2567) for nursing and dually participating facilities. Key deliverables include providing written recommendations to the Department on whether deficiencies should be deleted, supported, or amended, with all reviews required to be completed within 20 calendar days. To qualify, respondents must meet strict mandatory requirements, including at least three years of experience with nursing home facility surveys and deep expertise in Medicare and Medicaid program requirements, such as 42 CFR 488.331. Independence is critical; candidates must have no financial interest in nursing homes and cannot have served as legal counsel for long-term care facilities or been employed by the State survey agency or ombudsman program within the past year. The award will be granted to the lowest-priced respondent who meets all mandatory qualifications. Notably, services are to be paid for by the facility rather than the Department of Public Health. The contract is subject to standard State of Illinois terms, including compliance with the State Prompt Payment Act, FOIA requirements, and specific insurance mandates for general liability, auto liability, and worker's compensation.