Prairie State Wire

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Northwest Region met Jan. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

PRESENT: Sang Capone, Kacie Jensen (Chair), Colleen Magee (Co-Chair), and Christine Dungey

ABSENT: Colleen Parks and Dr. Erin Wade

STAFF: Nicole S. Weathersby, DRM

GUESTS: John W. Whitcomb - Monahan Law Group, LLC

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Human Rights Authority, Northwest Region was called to order at 4:10p.m. by the Chair, Kacie Jensen. It was determined that a quorum was not present, but appropriate business could be conducted. Nicole S. Weathersby - Disability Rights Manager, read the confidentiality statement. It was discussed and all parties were reminded that the proceedings are confidential. All motions were carried out by proxy vote via follow-up telephone calls to absent member (Colleen P.) who provided the necessary numbers to suffice a majority of HRA members in agreement for the motions presented.

Minutes: Executive and regular meeting minutes from August 22, 2023, and November 14, 2023, were tabled due to not having a quorum. The motion was entered by Sang C., and seconded by Colleen M., to be tabled and approved at the next meeting with a quorum.

NEW BUSINESS

Ratifications

The following case actions were tabled until the next meeting where a quorum will be present:

#22-080-9013= Accept facility non-response, close complaint/case and post

#22-080-9014= Accept facility non-response, close complaint/case and post

#24-080-9008 = Open & Accept complaint ( pending receipt signed consent) (Emergency opening (10/23). Consent received in 11/23 & case opened.

#24-080-9009 = Open, accept complaint, forward to facility for investigation (Emergency opening 10/23)

#24-080-9010= Accept pending receipt of consent and send certified letter .

#24-080-9011 = Open, accept complaint, forward to facility for investigation ( Emergency opening 10/23)

#24-080-9011= Emergency case closing , without further investigation, due to facility closing

#24-080-9012= Open & Accept complaint/case

#24-080-9013= Open & Accept complaint/case

#24-080-9014= Not accept & close, due to being referred out to the appropriate entities

#24-080-9015 = Table complaint pending receipt of consent

Agenda Updates/Changes:

There were no updates and/or changes for the agenda.

New Complaint:

24-080-9016 - The complainant stated being forcibly held against their will. DRM tried consistently to reach out to patient while hospitalized, never able to connect. Complainant did not reach out after discharge or leave a follow-up number for further discussion. Sang C., moved to close and not accept complaint, due to not receiving follow-up from the complainant, seconded by Colleen M., and motion carried via telephone proxy vote.

24-080-9017 - The complainant stated that there were two separate hospital ED visits within the same month (11/16/23 and 11/17-18/23) and during both visits, in which the hospital staff did not listen to their mental health needs or address them. Also, on the second admission, the complainant stated the hospital did not offer voluntary admission option ( but stated they had) and was transferred out inappropriately. Colleen M., moved to table the complaint until the next meeting, seconded by Sang C., and motion carried via telephone proxy vote.

Comments from the Public:

Introduction of visitors – John W. Whitcomb - Monahan Law Group, LLC.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Closed Session

No quorum was present to enter closed session pursuant to Section 120/2(a) of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2). The meeting continued in open session, discussing draft reports, case progress, case closures and other matters while maintaining and protecting the confidentiality of recipients and complainants.

Case Progress

23-080-9011 – HRA Member and Visitor who were present at the site visit from December 19, 2023, and January 2, 2024, shared their insight.

24-080-9002 – HRA Member who attended site visit from January 18, 2024, shared insight.

24-080-9003 - DRM confirmed site visit for January 24, 2024, will be virtual.

24-080-9006 – DRM confirmed site visit for January 24, 2024, will be virtual.

24-080-9007 – DRM confirmed rescheduled site to February 29, 2024.

23-080-9009 - HRA Member who attended site visit from January 18, 2024, shared insight.

Draft Reports for Acceptance:

There were no draft reports presented at the meeting.

Accept Responses, Close and Publish Report:

There were no responses to discuss or reports to close or publish.

Other Unfinished Business, Announcements and Comments

Discussed needing to recruit four new members for the committee to ensure that there will always be a quorum present.

Adjournment

Sang C., moved to adjourn meeting at 5:15pm seconded by Colleen M., and the meeting adjourned with goodbyes.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the office of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, 4302 N. Main St., Conference Room - Rockford, IL at 4:00pm.

https://gac.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gac/press/documents/minutes/2024/nw012324minutes.pdf