Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Metro East Regional Human Rights Authority met Jan. 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
The regular stated meeting of the Metro East Regional Human Rights Authority (HRA) was called to order at 1:10p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2017 by Co-Chairperson, Catherine Goebel.
This meeting was held at Developmental Disability Service of Metro East (DDSME), 2900 Frank Scott Parkway West Suite 928 Belleville, IL.
HRA Members Present: Catherine Goebel, Jane Nesbit, Andrea Frazier and Karen Kelly
HRA Members Absent: Michael Pintar, Lou Ellen Ruocco, Denise Bradley and Amy Melchert.
Guests: Jim Lopresto
Staff Present: Jo Ann (Jodi) Russell-Baum
INTRODUCTIONS
Catherine Goebel recognized that a quorum was not present. Introductions were made.
Catherine Goebel read the confidentiality statement that indicates that personally identifiable information should not be presented in public meetings in order to protect the privacy of those persons with disabilities on whose behalf the HRA conducts investigations.
Catherine Goebel asked for any changes in the agenda. No changes were noted.
NO SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION DUE TO THE LACK OF A QUORUM
Jim Lopresto from Community Support Services of Southern Illinois requested to speak regarding case 17-070-0004. He presented to the HRA a proposal for a new grocery purchasing procedure that would eliminate money being transferred between clients’ accounts. This procedure will be piloted in one home and if there are no complications, a policy will be implemented with stated changes.
MINUTES WERE NOT ACCEPTED DUE TO THE LACK OF A QUORUM
The Open Meeting Minutes of the stated meeting of November 10, 2016 were reviewed for correction and no corrections were noted.
The Closed Meeting Minutes of the stated meeting of November 10, 2016 were reviewed for correction and no corrections were noted.
COMMUNICATIONS
Jodi Russell-Baum discussed changing the time of the meeting back to 5:00pm due to work conflicts with some HRA members. Jane Nesbit made a motion to change the time of the HRA meetings back to 5:00pm beginning in March 2017. No meeting will be held in February. Karen Kelly seconded the motion and the members present agreed to the change. An additional vote will be obtained via phone from Michael Pintar.
NEW BUSINESS
Ratifications
None
New Complaints The HRA considered the following cases for acceptance.
17-070-9007 — mental health hospital — least restrictive environment. The complaint states that a patient is not being allowed to use his privileges to the extent the court has authorized. If the “team” does not deem the activity therapeutic then the patients are not allowed to use their pass for that activity. The complaint also states that security devices are now mandatory for court trips when they had not been in the past. The local judge was allowed to make the determination on whether security devices could be removed for court. Member Jane Nesbit made a motion to open the case. Karen Kelly seconded the motion and the motion carried pending a 5th member vote due to the lack of a quorum. An additional vote will be obtained via phone from Michael Pintar using emergency case opening procedures (59 Ill. Admin. Code 310.50 (c)). Case acceptance will be ratified at the next meeting with a quorum.
17-070-9008- mental health hospital- privilege level. The complaint states that a patients pass level is being dropped for fighting although the patient states that he/she is just defending themselves against an aggressor. The patient is not being given a time frame for when the pass will be restored. Member Karen Kelly made a motion to not open the case. Catherine Goebel seconded the motion and the motion carried pending a 5th member vote due to the lack of a quorum. An additional vote will be obtained via phone from Michael Pintar as allowed in HRA regulations (59 Ill. Admin. Code 310.70 (e)) The case closure vote will be ratified at the next meeting with a quorum.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Case Progress Reports
16-070-9007 – Gateway Regional Medical Center – least restrictive environment. Report needs written.
16-070-9008 – Alton Mental Health Center – dental – Report needs written. 16-070-9009 – Touchette Regional Hospital – disability discrimination, disability insensitivity. Needs site visit, dates discussed.
16-070-9010 – Gateway Regional Medical Center -- advocacy access, complaint process. Report needs written.
16-070-9012 – Alton Mental Health Center – confidentiality. Report needs written.
17-070-9003 Royal Living Center– guardian notification – letter of office was obtained. A representative from RLC contacted the HRA coordinator requesting information on the rules of guardianship notification. Resources were provided to RLC on guardianship and notification processes. Site visit needed.
17-070-9004 Community Support Services of SI – misuse of funds – obtain releases from guardians and letters of office. Site visit is no longer needed. Additional scenarios were discussed on how consumers can still be involved in purchasing items without funds going into multiple consumers’ accounts. The agency is reviewing their options and will contact other agencies to see what works for them. A check and balance system is in place, although the time involved in balancing the books is enormous.
17-070-9005 SSM St. Mary’s, blanket consent – it was confirmed that the form being questioned is an outpatient psychiatric services consent form. The SSM legal department acknowledged that the form has the potential to be misinterpreted and has agreed to review and draft a new form and keep the HRA apprised of the progress.
Draft Report Review
NONE
Reviews of Provider Responses
16-070-9003 & 9004 (combined report) --Alton Mental Health Center – privilege level. Alton Mental Health Center has asked for an extension on the response as they are re-writing a new intrapersonal relationship policy. Information was requested from the HRA and the HRA provided multiple resources and contacts to the facility. . Motions Regarding Report Approvals
NONE
Case Closures
NONE
ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMENTS and ADJOURNMENT:
The need for additional board members was discussed.
The HRA is looking for additional community outreach opportunities.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2017, 5:00pm at DDSME.
Catherine Goebel made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Karen Kelly seconded the motion and the members present agreed to adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 2:15 pm.
https://www.illinois.gov/sites/gac/Press/Documents/minutes/2017/me01192016minutes.pdf
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