Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog

Despite the increased involvement of long-term care ombudsmen in the resident survey process, many of the goals of the enforcement system remain the same today as they were 10 years ago, an NCCNHR report shows. Many residents complain that their level of care increases around "survey" time, only to decrease after the results have been tabulated. Criticisms of the system are numerous with emphasis on the predictability of the surveys (timing and measures alike). The NCCNHR provides a list of recommendations including the increased involvement of family members, ombudsmen and resident advocates in the process, changes in the complaint process to ensure timely response, and funding from state and federal regulatory agencies.

For the full report:
Download file

The role that lawsuits play in consumer advocacy is threefold:
» To ensure living residents continue to receive the proper care they are entitled to, being compensated where wrongdoing has occurred.
» To provide deceased residents and their families with retribution after harm has been wrongly inflicted upon them.
» To send a message to the wrongdoers and deter future culpable conduct.

The National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) announced the dates of thier 31st National Conference and Annual Meeting. The conference will take place October 22 thru October 25, 2006 at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

For more information:
http://www.nccnhr.org/public/50_158_436.cfm#datehold

What is an ombudsmen?

Ombudsmen in Illinois visit nursing home residents to inform residents and their families of their rights to quality care, and help to resolve problems in long-term care facilities. There are 17 regional ombudsmen programs throughout the state of Illinois. In addition to advocating for quality and individualized care, ombudsmen are available to answer questions including but not limited to:
• What are my rights?
• Am I receiving the appropriate care?
• How can I resolve a complaint or issue with my care?

Click here to access contact information for the ombudsmen in your region.
Download file

Central Offices

Springfield
525-535 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761-0001
217-782-4977

Chicago
James R. Thompson Center
Suite 6-600
100 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601-3292
312-814-2608
The hearing impaired can contact IDPH by calling a TTY (teletypewriter) at 800-547-0466.

Regional Offices

Rockford
4302 N. Main St.
Rockford, IL 61103-1209
815-987-7511

Peoria
5415 N. University St.
Peoria, IL 61614-4784
309-693-5360

Edwardsville
22 Kettle River Dr.
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
618-656-6680

Marion
2309 W. Main St.
Marion, IL 62959-1195
618-993-7010

Champaign
2125 S. First St.
Champaign, IL 61820-7499
217-333-6914

West Chicago
245 W. Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. 5
West Chicago, IL 60185-4803
708-293-6800

Chicago
33 E. Congress Pkwy., Room 425
Chicago, IL 60605-1223
312-793-3376
4212 W. St. Charles Rd
Bellwood, IL 60104-1146
708-544-5300

In response to states drafting false claims acts that are not at least as strong as the federal False Claims Act, the government is providing an incentive for states to strengthen and pass these laws.

As part of the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), the government will provide a 10 percent increase in the state's share of Medicaid fraud recoveries if their laws are at least as strong as the federal False Claims Act.

For more information:
http://www.taf.org/cashbackstatefca.htm

The FDA today released technical guidance to help hospital bed manufacturers, hospitals, nursing homes, and private caregivers assess the safety of bedrails.

The guide can be downloaded here:
Download file