SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Pediatric Rehab Institute $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to investigate improper handling of residents by facility employees. The 150-bed skilled care facility for persons under 22 years of age is located at 7464 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago.

As part of an annual survey and complaint investigation, Department surveyors learned that on several occasions a staff member inappropriately lifted residents by their arms and legs, but the facility administration did not investigate or remove the employee from resident care duties. Footage taken undercover by a Chicago television station showed the employee carrying a 50-pound resident, who is completely dependent on staff for movement, by his arm and leg.

Interviews with other staff members revealed the same employee had been observed at other times lifting residents "like an airplane" by the arms and legs and carrying residents on his shoulders.

Facility policy requires that a two-man lift be used to move residents weighing more than 45 pounds. The employee said he was playing with the resident, but admitted it was an "inappropriate transfer."

Facility administration admitted they had seen the television report, but did not investigate the incident or identify the staff member until more than a month after the broadcast aired. During this time, the employee continued to provide care to residents and did not receive corrective training for conducting lifts and transfers.

In a separate incident, surveyors learned three other aides had been observed carrying a resident "upside down" from a wheelchair to his bed. Facility administration could not verify the aides had received training on appropriate lifts and transfers or whether the employees continued to work after the incident.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse, to take precautions on preventing the reoccurrence of abuse and to provide specific instructions on how to properly lift and transfer its residents.

Pediatric Rehab Institute has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been scheduled.