April 17, 1996

STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FINES ROHMANN PLAZA

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has taken disciplinary action against Rohmann Plaza, a 114-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled, located at 3000 W. Rohmann Plaza in Peoria.

Rohmann Plaza was fined $34,500 for failure to provide preventive care to residents, to ensure resident safety by protecting against and investigating injuries, and to meet the nutritional needs of all residents.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors discovered a pattern of poor care at the facility that included staff neglecting to reposition residents to prevent bed sores and not properly treating bed sores.

In addition, surveyors found the facility failed to prevent a resident with a history of aggressive behavior from abusing other residents. Through a review of records and interviews with facility staff, surveyors noted staff were aware of the abuse, but did nothing to stop it.

Department surveyors also discovered the facility did not provide sufficient quantities of food to meet residents' nutritional needs. The facility also did not have adequate food supplies on hand, ingredients were not available for meal preparations, food was not served at appropriate temperatures and there was not enough silverware.

The facility has been instructed to ensure direct care personnel have the basic skills to meet the health needs of residents; resident-to-resident abuse is not tolerated; and a properly trained, full-time employee is designated to oversee the food service operation.

Rohmann Plaza has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.

Due to concerns about the health and safety of the residents, Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, on behalf of the Department, has requested a Peoria County circuit court to appoint a receiver to administer the day-to-day operations of the facility. While a decision on that request is pending, the Department has assigned a monitor to verify that Rohmann Plaza residents are receiving the proper care.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments