What Happens When You Report Abuse to the Illinois Nursing Home Hotline?

 Posted on June 07, 2021 in Nursing Home Abuse

If you have reason to believe that your parent or loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need to act quickly to prevent further abuse from happening. Depending on the situation, this could mean helping them leave the nursing home, or even calling for emergency medical help. In many cases, it is also a good idea to call the Nursing Home Hotline operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to file a complaint. However, you may have questions regarding how to do so and what will happen next.

The Process of Filing a Complaint

The IDPH Nursing Home Complaint Hotline can be reached at 800-252-4343, and you can also file a complaint via mail or fax by completing and sending in a form available on the IDPH website. Before you file a complaint, you should be prepared with important information about the suspected abuse or neglect.

For example, you will need to share the name of your loved one, the facility where they reside, and the names of any employees who may have been involved. You will also need to provide information about the nature of the abuse or neglect, the harm your loved one suffered, and when the abuse occurred. If you have raised your concerns with the nursing home, you should also provide information about their response.

You are not required to identify yourself when making a complaint, but if you do, you can rest assured that your identity will remain confidential. Providing the IDPH with your name and contact information also ensures that you can receive confirmation that your complaint is received, as well as a notification when the investigation is complete.

IDPH Nursing Home Investigations

After receiving your complaint, the IDPH will review it and investigate it, with the case’s priority determined based on the severity of the alleged abuse or neglect. The investigation typically involves observation of the nursing home; interviews with managers, staff, and residents, likely including your loved one; and review of documents and records. Some investigations are completed quite quickly, while others may take weeks or months. If the IDPH finds evidence of abuse, the nursing home facility can face serious sanctions, including fines and the loss of its license.

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Along with filing a complaint, you should also contact a Chicago nursing home neglect attorney who can help you ensure your loved one is protected and recover compensation for their damages. At Schwartz Injury Law, we provide compassionate, experienced representation for nursing home residents and their families who have been victimized by abuse. Contact us today at 312-535-4625 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/ProtectionAdvocacy/pages/abuse_reporting.aspx

https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/programs/LTCOmbudsman/Pages/ombuds_reporting.aspx

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/complaints