SPRINGFIELD, IL – Clearbrook Center has been fined $40,000 (Statement of Violation) by the Illinois Department of Public Health for failure to provide proper nursing care, to supervise its residents, to investigate resident injuries of an unknown origin and to ensure residents' privacy. The 92-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located at 3201 W. Campbell St. in Rolling Meadows.

During a special licensure survey, Department investigators found numerous instances in which the welfare of residents was jeopardized by staff who did not provide the proper care.

The following incidents were cited as part of the disciplinary action:

• The facility lacked sufficient staff to manage and supervise the needs of its residents. Facility records revealed that staff-to-resident ratios were far below those facility management had determined to meet resident care needs. There were times when only two direct care staff were on duty to assist 46 clients who had high personal care needs.
• Proper nursing care was not provided. One resident was to receive physical therapy every day after being released from the hospital with a fractured leg following a fall at the facility. A staff member told surveyors the resident never received physical therapy. Surveyors also found an instance of neglect by an employee who did not check on residents nor change their diapers when necessary.
• The facility failed to properly investigate accidents of unknown origin. During a six-month period, there were 76 injuries initially classified as being of an unknown origin. Following investigation, the cause of 11 of those accidents had been determined. Of the remaining 65 injuries, 22 were not investigated, 19 did not have investigations completed within a timely manner and 24 were inconclusive.
• Staff did not protect residents' rights to privacy. One resident, who was roaming the halls nude, was not offered clothing by any of the six staff members in the area at the time. In another instance, a staff member left the bathroom door open while helping a resident shower even though another resident was in the room.

A review of facility records also determined staff did not conduct fire drills/disaster evacuation drills as required.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to provide nursing services in accordance with the needs of the residents; to ensure that enough staff is available to take care of residents and they have the training or experience in tasks assigned to them; and to instruct staff on proper procedure during or after an accident or injury.

Clearbrook Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.