September 29, 2000

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has given notice that it intends to revoke the operating license of Fondulac Woods Health Care Center and has fined the facility $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failing to protect its residents from sexual abuse. The 98-bed skilled nursing care facility is located at 901 Illini Drive in East Peoria.

Fondulac Woods Health Care Center has requested a hearing to contest the Department's action. As a result, the Department's move to revoke the facility's license will be delayed until a hearing has been held. No hearing date has been scheduled.

Responding to several complaints, Department investigators learned that a facility employee sexually assaulted a 93-year-old resident and previously had inappropriate contact with other female residents.

On the night of the sexual assault, a staff member noticed the resident's door was closed and, when she entered the room, the employee was observed laying on top of the resident in her bed. He admitted to facility staff he had kissed the resident and had inappropriate contact with her and another resident.

The employee was sent home and the incident was reported to the facility's administrator and to the local police. He was later charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault.

Staff interviews revealed that the employee had a habit of "pulling female residents down to sit in his lap" and supervisory staff had been made aware of his behavior. However, his personnel file did not contain information that the incidents had been investigated, as required by facility policy, or that disciplinary action was taken.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required facility administration to ensure all necessary precautions are taken to protect its residents and that proper investigations are conducted in an abusive situation.