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Ottawa nursing home receives state fine
STEPHANIE SZUDA, stephanies@mywebtimes.com, 815-431-4087
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An Ottawa care facility has been fined $10,000 and is included in a state report on serious violations.
Print this storyThe Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a type "A" violation for Kanthak House, a 16-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled at 724 Second Ave. Type "A" is the most serious licensure condition in which there is a substantial probability death or serious mental or physical harm will result. The facility has requested a hearing on the IDPH action. Kanthak House strongly disagrees with the findings and feels the issues of neglect and abuse are a falsehood, said Susan White, executive director. In its January report, which the IDPH released this week, the state accuses the facility of failing to prevent abuse by implementing its policies and procedures that prohibit mistreatment, neglect or abuse of residents. Facility management did not investigate allegations of abuse, nor did management take appropriate action when they became aware of an arrest for a disqualifying offense by a staff member and allowed the employee to continue to work with residents of the facility, according to IDPH. The home failed to comply with IDPH standards during five incidents in 2006, which resulted in the fine, said Melanie Arnold, of the Illinois Department of Public Health. A direct support person was arrested in May 2006 on charges of driving under the influence, blood alcohol content of .08 or more, domestic battery, battery and possession of marijuana (2.5 to 10 grams.) He later was found guilty of domestic battery, possession of cannabis and driving under the influence, according to IDPH records. IDPH records indicate the employee's supervisors were aware of his arrest and conviction but took no action. IDPH also included interviews with several residents in its report who were dissatisfied with the same staff employee's treatment of the residents. A resident claimed she was being sexually abused by her father. The facility did an investigation, but the final results state the alleged incident is "inconclusive until results of the criminal investigation conclude." IDPH records claim the facility did not address an employee's demeaning statements toward residents. In another matter, Morris Healthcare and Rehab Center, a 142-bed skilled and intermediate care facility at 1338 Clay St., Morris, has been fined $50,000 after an incident in which a resident fell from bed and broke a hip. The resident was hospitalized and later died. For a full listing of nursing home violations, visit www.idph.state.il.us. |
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