SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Regal Health and Rehabilitation Center $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to immediately and thoroughly investigate an alleged sexual assault. The 143-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 9525 S. Mayfield Ave. in Oak Lawn.

Responding to complaints, Department surveyors learned an employee witnessed another employee sexually assault a resident. Although the incident was reported to the facility's administration, it was two days before an investigation was launched. The facility also waited two days before notifying the resident's physician and representative, the local police and the Department.

The resident was not taken to a hospital for an examination and the facility did not save the resident's clothing and bed linens for evidence. Most of the staff was unaware of the facility's abuse policy or what should be done after an allegation of sexual abuse.

The alleged attacker was fired after he cornered the witness in a room following her report of the incident. He has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and unlawful restraint.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to conduct immediate and thorough investigations; to review and revise, if necessary, its policies on abuse; and to train staff on appropriate actions and interventions to prevent resident abuse and on the reporting process when there is an allegation of abuse.

Regal Health and Rehabilitation Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.