SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Oak Park Healthcare Center has been fined $10,000 (Statement of Violation) by the Illinois Department of Public Health for failure to protect residents from sexual abuse and to adequately supervise a resident with a history of inappropriate behavior while intoxicated. The 204-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 625 N. Harlem Ave. in Oak Park.

As part of an incident report investigation, Department surveyors learned a resident returned to the facility drunk after being out on a pass. He was instructed to go to his room to sleep it off, but instead was seen roaming unsupervised in other areas of the center.

An employee later saw the resident zipping his pants while leaving a resident’s room in a hurry. Another resident told staff she saw the resident on top of the alleged victim.

There were 11 documented incidents in a seven-month period of the resident becoming intoxicated and at times displaying inappropriate behaviors such as kissing, hugging and touching.

Since the resident was frequently intoxicated and had a history of inappropriate behavior, staff was to be aware of his whereabouts at all times.

When administrative staff confronted the resident about the inappropriate contact with a female resident, he refused the disciplinary action proposed by the facility and signed out against medical advice. The resident was later arrested at another facility and admitted the sexual abuse at Oak Park Healthcare Center.

Oak Park Healthcare Center has requested a hearing on the Department’s action. No hearing date has been scheduled.