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Posted: Sunday, 14 June 2009 1:28PM
States wants Oak Lawn nursing home closed
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OAK LAWN (STNG) -- Illinois public health officials plan to try to close an Oak Lawn nursing home despite the fact that Regal Health and Rehab Center now is complying with state regulations.
Inspectors from the Illinois Department of Public Health conducted their annual inspection of Regal in February and found it in violation of several regulations, including deficiencies in medical equipment, personnel and supervision of residents.
Those problems apparently were rectified, and the health department in March gave Regal, 9525 S. Mayfield Ave., permission to remain open and continue to get funding for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
But the state remains concerned about the quality of care for Regal's 83 current residents and wants it closed because of repeat violations in the past concerning resident care, according to a health department spokeswoman.
In April, a Regal resident hooked up to an oxygen machine was hospitalized after sneaking a cigarette in his room, which caused a small fire. The man died a week later.
It was unclear Friday whether that incident factored into the state's desire to revoke Regal's license.
"It's happened over the years," Melaney Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health, said of the persistent problems. "(Regal will) fix (a violation), but then they'll get into another cycle and have a different violation. They're following the law and operating under the law, but because of the history of the facility, we have grounds to revoke a license."
The state's position drew sharp criticism from Regal owner Michael Lerner, who said the nursing home's staff works to correct any problems.
"This building is in compliance, and there's not anything negative coming from (the health department) about us now," Lerner said.
Earlier this month, Oak Lawn inspectors found dirty water fountains and appliances, water-damaged ceilings and rodent droppings on the floors at Regal, according to a village report. The inspection also revealed that employees were smoking inside the building and were washing their hands in the same sinks that contained food.
Lerner said he had not seen the village's inspection report but "anything that's alleged gets resolved."
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