TWO LAKE COUNTY FACILITIES FINED

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health has taken disciplinary action against two Chicago long-term care facilities:

Arlington Rehabilitation and Living Center was fined $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failing to notify a resident’s physician regarding a change in her mental status, food and fluid intake, and the color and amount of urine output; neglecting to respond to the resident’s screaming for help and wanting to go to the washroom; and failing to follow the resident’s care plan. The resident was admitted to a hospital and died due to a severe infection and dehydration.

Pine Terrace was fined $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failing to provide health care services in accordance with the needs of a resident exhibiting signs and symptoms of serious illness for more than two weeks. The facility did not notify medical personnel when the resident reported pain, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. The resident also complained of weakness, increased thirst and increased urination – all early signs of diabetes – and had lost 20 pounds in a month. Staff said the resident had a history of making false complaints.

The resident was admitted to the hospital with high blood sugar and was suffering from diabetes. He died six days later of pancreatitis, acute diabetes and renal failure.

Both facilities have requested hearings on the Department’s actions. A hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 3, 2005, regarding the Department’s action against Arlington Rehabilitation and Living Center. No hearing date has been set for Pine Terrace.