(a) The Department on Aging shall assist eligible nursing home residents and their families to select long-term care options that meet their needs and reflect their preferences. At any time during the process, the resident or his or her representative may decline further assistance.
     (b) To provide assistance, the Department shall develop a program of transition services with follow-up in selected areas of the State, to be expanded statewide as funding becomes available. The program shall be developed in consultation with nursing homes, case managers, Area Agencies on Aging, and others interested in the well-being of frail elderly Illinois residents. The Department shall establish administrative rules pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act with respect to resident eligibility, assessment of the resident’s health, cognitive, social, and financial needs, development of comprehensive service transition plans, and the level of services that must be available prior to transition of a resident into the community.