SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Eldorado Care Center $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to protect residents from sexual abuse. The 70-bed skilled care facility is located at Third and Railroad streets in Eldorado.

During an annual inspection, Department investigators learned the facility had knowledge of a resident with inappropriate sexual behavior toward other residents, but did not conduct an investigation or implement measures to protect residents from abuse. There were seven incidents of sexual advances over five months by the resident toward other residents.

The resident's most recent care plan did not include mention of his inappropriate sexual behavior nor recommend possible interventions. Following reports of the incidents, the facility failed to increase supervision of the resident to ensure other residents were not harmed.

In addition, the incidents were not reported to the facility administration or the Department as required by state law.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to review and revise its policies regarding abuse and neglect, to train staff on procedures regarding sexually aggressive residents and to ensure that residents' guardians and the Department are informed of incidents.

Eldorado Care Center did not request a hearing on the Department's action.