February 11, 1998

SPRINGFIELD, IL — St. Clair County Specialized Living Center has been fined $10,000 by the Illinois Department of Public Health for resident abuse by a staff member. The 100-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located at 1450 Caseyville Ave. in Belleville.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors learned two staff members observed their team leader strike a 39-year-old female resident on the arm and back with a plastic coat hanger, but did not report the incident to a supervisor as required by the facility's code of conduct.

When another employee noticed welts and bruises on the resident's hands and arms, the team leader was told the injuries would have to be reported. The team leader, however, told the employee "don't worry about it." The staff member notified a supervisor the following day.

The team leader has been suspended by the facility. The employees who failed to immediately report witnessing or suspecting the abuse have not been disciplined.

As part of a mandatory plan of correction, the Department ordered the facility to take necessary measures to ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect and to train all employees in preventing and reporting abuse.

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