January 5, 2001

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Halsted Terrace Nursing Center $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for neglect for failing to follow physician prescribed orders for diabetic residents. The 300-bed skilled care facility is located at 10935 S. Halsted St. in Chicago.

Responding to complaints, Department surveyors noted that medications were not properly administered, blood sugar levels not monitored as ordered and personal physicians of residents not notified of significant changes in condition.

One diabetic resident, who was to have blood sugar checked once a week, received the test just once in a month. Over a two-month period, the resident was hospitalized three times and, on each occasion, it was noted there were worsening pressure sores. A physician explained that the sores would not heal properly and would worsen unless blood sugar levels were controlled.

In another case, a resident received less than half of the prescribed blood sugar tests for the six days checked by surveyors. Another resident, who was to receive insulin based on a sliding scale related to blood sugar results, either received no insulin or not given the prescribed amount.

A Department ordered plan of correction required the facility to establish policies and procedures to ensure that residents receive adequate and supervised nursing care and that medications are properly administered.

Halsted Terrace has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.