March 27, 2000

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, today ordered the emergency suspension of the Lexington Nursing and Rehab Center’s operating license and Illinois Department of Public Health staff have moved to relocate the center’s 26 residents to other McLean County facilities due to an “immediate and serious threat” to their safety.

Dr. Lumpkin said the drastic action was taken because the facility’s administration and owners have been unresponsive to requests to address safety issues that involve a small group of residents admitted earlier this year. These resident, who all have substance abuse problems, have been terrorizing the other residents and facility staff.

“Lexington has demonstrated an inability to meet the needs of its residents and to protect its vulnerable residents from residents who have exhibited violent behaviors,” Dr. Lumpkin said. “The condition of the facility deteriorated to the point that it was imperative for the safety and welfare of the residents to suspend the facility’s license on an emergency basis.”

The Department began receiving complaints Feb. 1 regarding incidents involving young residents who had been admitted from a Chicago homeless shelter to the 52-bed intermediate care facility. Lexington police and the Department have received numerous allegations and complaints about these individuals, including a knife fight, physical abuse, aggravated battery of a staff member and the intoxication of three of the youths at a local tavern. At least three of the youths have been arrested.

The Department has imposed more than $100,000 in fines against Lexington Nursing and Rehab Center since February due to the pattern of violence involving the youths and the nursing home’s failure to provide any type of care or supervision consistent with their diagnosis. Medicaid reimbursements for new admissions were halted on March 11 and a monitor was placed in the facility the same day.

In addition, the monitor assigned to the facility by the Department reported that over the weekend there was a lack of staff to care for the residents. One staffer at the facility had worked a 12-hour shift beginning at 6 p.m., but no one came to relieve her in the morning. When the facility’s Chicago office was called regarding staffing, the response was, “What can I do about it.”

Public Health staff will meet with residents and speak to their families or guardians about area facilities that can provide the nursing services that are needed. All residents are expected to be moved out of the facility today.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments