Cap on Fines Against Illinois Nursing Homes Lifted by Appellate Court
An Illinois Appellate Court has gotten rid of a cap that limits how large of a fine the state’s Department of Public Health can impose on an assisted living facility that underperforms. The court’s decision overturns a Circuit Court ruling last year that imposed a $10,000 cap on nursing home fines. Before that fines high as $300,000 had been issued for inadequate nursing care. For now, however, the IDPH says it will keep imposing fines under $10,000 to avoid any legal problems.
Meantime, nursing home industry representatives have said that better nursing care won’t necessarily come about just because the IDPH is issuing higher fines. There are nursing home advocates that would like Illinois to impose a fine minimum between $25,000 to $50,000.
Our Chicago nursing home neglect lawyers want to remind you that regardless of whether or not the state fines an assisted living facility for negligent nursing care, you and your family may still be able to pursue a civil case to obtain damages for Chicago nursing home abuse or neglect or patient violence.
Bedsores, unexplained falls, malnutrition, dehydration, sepsis, elder financial abuse, poor patient hygiene, inappropriate restraint, sexual abuse or assault, choking injuries, clogged breathing tubes, emotional abuse, inadequate nursing care, medical malpractice, and medication mistakes are some of the many reasons why a nursing home resident may choose to pursue a Cook County nursing home negligence lawsuit against a Chicago assisted living facility.
Appellate court lifts ban on nursing home fines in Illinois, McKnight's Long Term Care News, April 5, 2010
Appellate court overturns cap on nursing home fines, The State Journal-Register, April 1, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Nursing Homes, City of Chicago
Neglect and abuse can lead to serious health complications and even death. It is important that you remove your loved one from an abusive situation immediately, report the incident, and contact a Chicago, Illinois nursing home abuse law firm to explore your legal options.
