SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Roosevelt Square – Murphysboro $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to follow proper procedures in reporting an incident of alleged sexual abuse and to immediately take steps to protect its residents. The 76-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located at 1501 Shomaker Drive in Murphysboro.

Department investigators learned staff twice in the same evening witnessed a male resident with a history of sexual aggression engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior with his roommate. Staff, however, did not immediately notify the facility's administration and the two men remained in the same room without supervision for the remainder of the night.

The alleged assaults were not reported by staff to supervisors until four days later when an investigation was initiated. The residents' guardians, physicians and the Department were not notified until five days after the incidents took place.

About six months prior to the attack, the reported attacker had displayed sexual aggression toward another roommate and staff moved him temporarily to a private room. The day before the incident the resident's care plan included a notation that he be regularly monitored for inappropriate sexual behavior.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to ensure that residents are protected from any neglectful situation, to train staff on proper intervention and procedures during or after an incident, and to train its employees on reporting incidents of suspected abuse or neglect.

Roosevelt Square - Murphysboro has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.