CHICAGO, IL – A detailed investigation by the Chicago Tribune shed light on systemic issues that allow abuse by doctors to occur, revealing a healthcare and regulatory framework riddled with gaps and inefficiencies. These shortcomings have allowed a number of abusive practitioners to evade scrutiny and continue their harmful practices unchecked. In some instances, healthcare providers accused of sexually abusing patients have been allowed to continue practicing medicine for years.
Systemic issues that contribute to sexual abuse among healthcare professionals in Illinois include a lack of oversight, state law not applying to all healthcare workers, depending on healthcare providers notifying licensing agencies, slow institutional response to issues and a lack of transparency.
Lack of Oversight
Illinois struggles has struggled with oversight problems. Even when patients file a complain against healthcare providers, there is no robust system to ensure these complaints trigger an immediate and through investigation to protect patients.
State Law Doesn’t Apply to All Healthcare Workers
Illinois law requires hospitals to report abuse allegations to state health officials; however, this doesn’t extend to healthcare workers in independent practices or non-hospitals settings, including doctors’ offices, which creates a dangerous loophole in the system.
Dependence on Healthcare Providers Notifying Licensing Agencies
Illinois’s regulatory framework relies on healthcare providers to report themselves to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) if they face charges of misconduct. This flaw in the system became evident in a case of a healthcare professional who chose not to self-report the ongoing investigation against him despite facing serious accusations of sexual abuse. The provider was allowed to continue to practice without interruption.
Slow Institutional Response to Issues
In Illinois, the institutional response to allegations of misconduct is grossly slow. In the Chicago Tribune’s investigation, a healthcare facility took more than two years to act against a provider’s license after learning about allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior which puts other patients at risk and undermines trust in the healthcare system to protect its most vulnerable patients.
Lack of Transparency
The IDFPR’s website is a shocking example of the lack of transparency in patient sexual abuse reporting listing disciplinary actions against healthcare providers; however, it often uses vague language and fails to provide clear, detailed information about the nature of the misconduct or disciplinary action that was taken.
Contact the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. in Chicago, Illinois
Have you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse by a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional? The Dinizulu Law Group is here to help you understand your legal options for holding the perpetrator accountable. Our attorneys have extensive experience in approaching these sensitive cases and work diligently to hold dangerous doctors responsible. Contact us today to discuss your situation, understand your rights, and learn the process of seeking both compensation and justice. Fill out this form or call us now at (312) 384-1920.
