SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Carole Lane Terrace $5,000 (Statement of Violation), for failure to follow proper procedures in reporting an incident of alleged abuse and to immediately take steps to protect its residents. The 16-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located at 1641 Carole Lane in Sauk Village.

Responding to a complaint, Department investigators learned an employee observed another employee pull a resident's hair and then force the resident into her room stating she had to change the sheets because she urinated on them.

The employee did not report the alleged abuse until three weeks after the incident took place. After the administration was made aware of the allegation, it was another four days before the resident's guardian was notified and four additional days before the Department was informed.

The facility also failed to immediately remove the employee suspected of abuse from resident care. A supervisor stated that the accused employee was suspended during the investigation. However, a review of the punch cards revealed the employee worked alone four days during that time.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to train its employees on reporting incidents of suspected abuse or neglect and to protect residents from harm.

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