June 19, 1997

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined St. Anne Center $10,000 for administering an incorrect prescription to a resident. The 179-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 4405 Highcrest Road, Rockford.

During an annual survey, Department surveyors learned an 81-year-old female resident was to receive sodium chloride to lower her potassium level, but staff instead gave her potassium chloride. The woman was hospitalized when the amount of potassium in her blood reached a critical level.

Facility staff admitted to surveyors the new prescription was not checked for accuracy when it arrived from the pharmacy. The resident received two doses of the medication from staff who did not verify whether it was the correct prescription. At the time a third dose was due, a facility employee called the pharmacy for clarification on mixing the prescription and the error was discovered.

As part of a mandatory plan of correction, the Department ordered the facility to review its policy regarding administering medications, and to provide training to employees on medication issues.

St. Anne Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.

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