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Illinois lawmaker has ownership stake in Chicago nursing home accused of neglect

Allegations of Chicago nursing home neglect at a facility part owned by an Illinois state senator could lead to the loss of the facility’s license, the Chicago Tribune reported.

State health authorities have moved to revoke the license of Evergreen Health Care Center in Evergreen Park, alleging serious patient neglect in the southwest suburban nursing home co-owned by state Sen. Heather Steans. The Tribune reports that the lawmaker has no operating role at the facility. The Chicago Democrat said she has drawn little or no income from the home, saying she owned a small stake in companies responsible for its management.

An Illinois Department of Health spokesperson said the facility was sent a revocation notice on Friday. Under state rules, the facility can voluntarily surrender its license or contest the action by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge.

The Evergreen facility was recently added to a federal list of the nation’s most troubled nursing homes. Authorities allege that inspections have found numerous safety violations. Steans said the infractions were “incredibly troubling” but contends the facility has taken corrective action.

The Tribune notes the awkward political position the lawmaker now finds herself in, having worked on comprehensive reform legislation aimed at improving safety and care standards at nursing homes throughout the state. As our Chicago nursing home neglect and abuse lawyers recently reported, the Illinois nursing home reform measure was unanimously passed by lawmakers and now awaits the governor’s signature.

On her financial disclosure statements, she declared membership interests in two firms that collected $2 million in management and lease fees from Evergreen last year. She said none of that money was paid to owners.

Allegations against Evergreen include failure by staff to notify a doctor of the deteriorating health of a 90-year-old resident suffering from pneumonia and failure to prevent maggots from infecting the scalp of an 86-year-old cancer victim.

The state health department reports that other revocation actions are currently pending against nursing homes in the Chicago area:

-Columbus Manor Residential Care Home
-Rainbow Beach Care Center
-Regal Health and Rehabilitation Center
-Fox River Pavilion in Aurora.

Somerset Place in Uptown was shut down in March after receiving a similar order.

Another nursing home, South Shore Nursing & Rehabilitation center, was recently added to the federal watch list, in part as a result of failure to properly supervise residents.

If you are concerned about a loved one that may have been abused or neglected in a Chicago nursing home, contact the personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.

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