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Any use of a psychotropic drug that controls inappropriate behaviors in Illinois long-term care centers must be approved by a special committee and only after an informed consent has been obtained by the resident, a legal parent or guardian. Unfortunately, many long-term care facilities failed to follow procedures, protocols and state laws that guard patients against unnecessary medications, that often have undesirable side effects and risks. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers provide legal representation to mistreated residents who were given psychotropic medications without authorization while residing at Illinois long-term care centers like Gaines Mill Place.
Gaines Mill Place
This facility is a ‘for profit’ 16-certified-bed LTC Center providing cares and services to residents of Springfield and Sangamon County, Illinois. The Long-Term Care Home is located at:
3310 Gaines Mill Rd.
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 793-0074
Springfield Long Term Care Home Resident Safety Concerns
Families can review Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH – ltc.dph.illinois.gov) website to download a comprehensive list of all dangerous hazards, filed complaints, safety concerns, health violations, opened investigations, and incident inquiries. The regularly updated data is often an important component in making a well-informed decision regarding which LTC community facility provides the highest level of medical care, aid and hygiene assistance.
The Sangamon County neglect attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have reviewed numerous safety concerns and deficiencies at this long-term care facility including:
- Failure to Ensure a Resident’s Medication Regimen Is Free of Unnecessary Drugs
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/20/2016, a state surveyor noted the facility’s failure to “ensure written consent from the specially constituted committee was obtained for medications used to control behaviors.” This failure involved two residents “who take psychotropic medications" at the facility.
The deficient practice was first noted in the state investigator’s findings after reviewing a 52-year-old male resident’s October 2016 Physician Order Sheet (POS) who was diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disability, Atypical Psychosis, Asperger’s Syndrome and Probable Bipolar Disorder.
The resident’s Physician Order Sheet (POS) also revealed “his physician has ordered lithium carb 600 milligrams every morning and lithium carb 900 milligrams at bedtime. A Consultation Report revealed this medication doses were written and signed on 03/31/2016.” The drug “was increased from a previously prescribed dosage of 600 milligrams in the morning and 600 milligrams in the evening.
The investigator conducted an interview with the facility Quality Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) on the morning of 10/19/2016 who confirmed the resident’s “lithium carb dosage is written on the October 2016 Physician Order Sheet (POS).” The Quality Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) “was asked if he could provide a consent signed by the specially constituted committee to approve this medication increase” to which he replied “No.”
The second incident involved a resident whose October 2016 Physician Order Sheet (POS) revealed that the 64-year-old male resident was diagnosed with Profound Intellectual Disability, Blindness, and Agitation with Self-Injurious behavior." The Physician's Order Sheet also revealed that “he is prescribed 1.5 milligrams of Risperidone for Bipolar Disorder.
During an interview with the QIDP, it was confirmed that the resident currently takes 1.5 milligrams of risperidone (a psychotropic drug) to be given daily at bedtime. However, when asked to provide “a consent signed by the Specially Constituted Committee for15 milligrams of Risperidone to be given daily, the staff member could not provide the documentation.
The state investigator noted that the actions of the administration and directors at the facility failed to follow state guidelines or require the committee:
“Should review, approve, and monitor individual programs designed to manage inappropriate behavior and other programs that, in the opinion of the committee, involve risks to the client's protections and rights.”
- Failure to Obtain a Guardian’s Consent Prior to Administering an Increased Dosage of the Psychotropic Drug
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/20/2016, the investigator noted the facility’s failure “to ensure a guardian consent was obtained for medication used to control behaviors for [two residents…] who take the psychotropic medication.”
The facility’s Quality Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) was asked to provide documentation of a guardian’s consent for the two residents listed above who received an increase in dosage of their psychotropic medications. However, the QIDP could not provide the documentation, which is required by state and federal laws.
The state investigator noted that the actions of the administration and directors at the facility failed to follow state guidelines that require the committee to:
“Ensure that these programs are conducted only with written informed consent of the client, parents (at the client is a minor) or legal guardian.”
Springfield Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you believe loved one has been harmed or injured while residing at Gaines Mill Place, call Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers now. As your legal representative, our Springfield law firm can provide numerous options working on your behalf to hold those responsible for causing loved one harm both and legally and financially accountable.
We urge you to contact our Sangamon County abuse law office at (888) 424-5757 to schedule your appointment today. Speak with one of our experienced lawyers to determine your legal options during a comprehensive, no-obligation case review at no charge to you. Our law firm does not require any upfront fees, retainers or payments because we accept all nursing home abuse and neglect cases through contingency fee arrangements.
Sources:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6010235FI09102015.PDF
http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6010235FIK10202016.PDF
http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6010235FID02052015.PDF
http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6010235FIK10022014.PDF
