Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission met Oct. 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
PRESENT: Michael Shukis, Sheila Orr, Paul Porter, Regina Pessagno, Andrea Vernon-Cwik,
Alicia Chinn and Eric Mathiasen
ABSENT: Ashley Casati
STAFF: Pat Betzen and Jon Burnet, Coordinators
Guests:
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Human Rights Authority, Chicago Region was called to order at 5:37 p.m. by the Chicago Region Chair Pro-Tem, Mike Shukis.
It was determined that a quorum was present and that business could be conducted. Mike read the confidentiality statement
Minutes: Sheila moved to approve open and closed session minutes for the September 12, 2017 meeting. Paul seconded and the motion carried.
Communications:
Jon will assume coordinating responsibilities for the Chicago HRA until a replacement for Pat is hired.
NEW BUSINESS
Ratifications for case acceptance:
New complaints:
18-030-9007 A person has been denied walking devices after falling and injuring his back, he is not allowed to be seen by a psychiatrist after having suicidal thoughts, he was taken off antidepressant medication after requesting a transfer, he is mocked for filing grievances, and, the facility does not provide clean linens, there are water leaks, outdoor times are often cancelled and meals are late. Mike moved to accept the case for investigation. Eric seconded and the motion carried.
18-030-9008 A person has not been provided nutritious meals and is forced to take psychotropics when he is not symptomatic. Gina moved to accept the case for investigation. Annie seconded and the motion carried.
18-030-9009 Complaints are that a patient was tricked into admission, his blood was drawn without consent, he was given forced medications without cause, he was physically injured twice and was refused an attorney. Eric moved to accept the case for investigation. Alicia seconded and the motion carried.
18-030-9010 A person alleges that he is retaliated against for filing lawsuits and was written up instead of treated after expressing suicidal thoughts. Alicia moved to accept the case for investigation. Paul seconded and the motion carried.
18-030-9011 It is alleged that the facility provides no nutritious meals and no vegetarian or religion-centered meals. Paul moved to accept the case for investigation. Eric seconded and the motion carried.
18-030-9014 A guardian of a minor patient was threatened with reports of neglect if she failed to admit the patient, the patient was given an inappropriate dosage for his age, he was touched by another patient, he was not discharged in the mandated timeframe and he was allowed to sign his own emergency treatment preference form. Mike moved to accept the case for investigation. Annie seconded and the motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Pursuant to the Guardianship and Advocacy Act (20 ILCS 3955/21) and the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2), Annie moved to enter closed session at 6:20 p.m. Eric seconded and the motion carried. The purpose of the closed session was for discussion on any case assignments, case progress, draft reports, responses and case closures (17-030-9024, 9025, 9026, 18-030-9007, 9008 9009, 9010, 9011 and 9014). The HRA returned to open session at 6:46 p.m., having taken no votes in the closed session.
Reports for acceptance:
17-030-9024 (Lakeshore Hospital) The HRA reviewed the report in closed session and were satisfied with it as drafted. A motion was made to accept and issue the report. The motion was seconded and carried.
17-050-9026 (Norwegian American) The HRA reviewed the report in closed session and were satisfied with it as drafted. A motion was made to accept and issue the report. The motion was seconded and carried.
Accept responses, close and publish:
17-030-9025 (UIC Hospital) The HRA reviewed the response in closed session. Annie moved to accept the response, close and publish the case. Eric seconded and the motion carried.
Other unfinished business, announcements and comments:
Pat bid everyone a fond farewell as she retires.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 5th.
Adjournment:
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:50p.m. The motion was seconded and carried.
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