March 31, 2000

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Patterson House $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to provide proper nursing care, supervise its residents and investigate resident injuries of unknown origin. The 16-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located at 307 E. Jefferson in Sullivan.

Department investigators learned that the facility admitted a 31-year-old resident with a history of inappropriate sexual behavior without implementing special precautions to protect fellow residents. Based on the resident’s psychological evaluation, he was to be closely supervised and attend meeting and counseling sessions. Interviews with fellow residents indicate he fondled several female residents. Staff did not properly address or provide treatment to discourage this behavior.

Surveyors also found two instances of neglect by facility staff. Staff did not thoroughly investigate the cause of a 30-year-old resident’s injuries or her changing behavior. On several occasions, staff noticed bruising on the resident’s arms and legs but did not pursue the cause of these bruises. A subsequent visit to the resident’s doctor revealed signs of sexual abuse.

In a separate incident, a 26-year-old resident was taken to the local hospital emergency department where she received five stitches for a cut on her chin. Staff failed to thoroughly investigate the cause of the laceration.

The Department ordered a plan of correction that included implementing pre-admission evaluations, developing care plans to meet the needs of residents and instructing staff on proper procedure during or after an accident or incident.

Patterson House has requested a hearing on the Department’s action. A hearing date has not been scheduled.

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