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In a sign of mounting troubles for a Chicago nursing facility, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has asked state regulators to crack down on doctors, nurses and other licensed health care professionals who neglect patients at Alden Village North. Writing to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Madigan asked for the status of all complaints against staffers at Alden Village North and other facilities in the Alden nursing home chain. She also asked the department to work closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health to identify and discipline employees who mistreat patients in nursing homes statewide. Madigan's action came in response to Chicago Tribune investigative reports that detailed a 10-year pattern of death and chronic neglect at Alden Village North, 7464 N. Sheridan Road. On Thursday, the state public health department announced it was taking steps to close the home because of a track record of serious violations. Alden said it will appeal and remain open. Madigan's letter, sent Tuesday, highlights the case of Stephen Pruitt, a 14-year-old Alden Village North resident with profound mental disabilities. The Tribune reported how in July he was not immediately sent to a hospital when he began breathing rapidly. State inspectors found that Alden staff paged the boy's doctor six times over 19 hours before the physician responded. In citing the facility, inspectors concluded that the home should have contacted its medical director instead of waiting for the doctor to respond. The boy died two months later. The department of professional regulation said that it routinely coordinates with public health officials to investigate the conduct of licensed nursing home employees. Madigan also sent a letter Tuesday to the state public health department, requesting details about Alden Village North's violation history. She wrote that although Alden has promised to correct problems, "it is far from clear that these plans have worked." Unfortunately, nursing home abuse affects those highly vulnerable, and can result in serious diminishment of quality of life, or death. If you believe your loved one has suffered from neglect or abuse, the nursing home attorneys at Lipkin & Higgins can help your loved one obtain the care (s)he deserves, and the compensation the law provides. For a free consultation, call Lipkin and Higgins at 312-857-1710 or visit them online at www.lipkinhiggins.com
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Illinois Attorney General Begins Investigation Into Chicago Nursing Facility
