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New Office of Inspector General (OIG) changes
for Illinois Register Title 59 Chapter 1 Part 50.
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- Employees with knowledge of the abuse must report all
allegations of abuse/neglect to DHS-OIG with 4 hours obtaining that
knowledge. This includes non-accidental death/injury and
physical/mental/sexual abuse. Previously, the allegations went to the
community provider agency employer, then to OIG. This may change.
- Abuse is defined as any physical injury, sexual abuse,
or mental injury that is not accidental.
- Neglect is failure to provide adequate medical or
personal care or maintenance that leads to injury or deterioration.
- Neither of these definitions have time frames or
degrees of involvement.
- Neglect and abuse citation can put staff names in the
Nurses Aide Registry, which would eliminate employment in any social
agency, SNF, or medical program in Illinois.
- Employees can have representation during an interview
with OIG if the employee feels the interview will lead to disciplinary
action from the employer agency.
- Misleading reports filed to harass agencies or staff
can lead to “obtaining allowable remedies” against the initiator.
The exact language of the law is still evolving but the
enforcement has started. Rules allow no leeway. If you simply touch a
consumer they can claim abuse and it can be investigated. More info as it
develops. Be careful.
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Illinois
