August 13, 1998

SPRINGFIELD, IL —Care Centre of Urbana has been fined $10,000 by the Illinois Department of Public Health for failing to adequately supervise a resident who smokes resulting in a fire in the resident's room. The 99-bed skilled care facility is located at 907 N. Lincoln in Urbana.

In the course of investigating the fire, Department surveyors learned facility staff violated the smoking policy by allowing the 75-year-old male resident to keep cigarettes and lighters in his possession. Also, contrary to recommendations by the facility's activities staff, other staff would give their own cigarettes to the resident, who was only to smoke every two hours, because of his tendency to become upset when he ran out.

Three residents, including the smoker, were sent to the hospital due to smoke inhalation and anxiety. All 21 residents of the portion of the facility that caught fire were evacuated and had to be relocated due to extensive of smoke and fire damage.

As part of a mandatory plan of correction, the Department ordered Care Centre of Urbana to review its smoking policy including how to assess and to monitor residents who smoke. In addition, the facility must train staff on topics including how to deal with a non-compliant smoker and policy changes.

Care Centre of Urbana has requested a hearing on the Department's action. A hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 29.

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