May 21, 1997

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Countryview Living Center in Latham $10,000 for failure to meet the nursing needs of its residents. The 100- bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located at Main Street and Illinois Route 121.

Responding to complaints, Department surveyors found numerous instances in which the health and safety of residents were jeopardized by staff who did not provide the proper care.

Incidents cited as part of the disciplinary action included --

• The facility lacked sufficient staff to manage and supervise the needs of its residents and failed to have a system in place to prevent injuries. In January alone, surveyors noted 90 incidents involving falls, resident-to-resident abuse and injuries of unknown origin. During this time, facility records revealed that staff- to-resident ratios were below those facility management had determined to meet resident care needs.
• Staff did not properly use devices to lift residents. Surveyors observed staff lifting residents by their arms, under their arms and without safety belts or other approved devices. One incident involved a resident with a fractured arm and dislocated shoulder who was lifted by her injured arm and subsequently required hospital treatment for acute pain. In another case, a resident with a fracture to her ankle and leg, was to be lifted with a mechanical device. Staff notes said in three weeks the woman was injured on at least five different occasions while being moved and a staff member complained staff did not know how to properly use the lift.
• The facility failed to notify a physician when there was a change in a resident's condition or to take steps to assess injuries. Staff noted that a female resident, who was unable to move on her own, cried when her right leg was touched. X- rays revealed a fractured ankle and leg, but staff was unable to say how the injuries occurred. The resident also had open sores that were not treated and her physician was not notified.

The facility was ordered to provide nursing services in accordance with the needs of the residents, to ensure all employees have training or experience in tasks assigned to them and to refrain from using physical restraints for the purpose of discipline or convenience.

Countryview Living Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been scheduled.

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