Date/time
January 14, 2020 @ 11:00 a.m.
TELECONFERENCE
1-888-494-4032
Access Code: 8725035698
RECORDED
Present
Peter B. Neumer, Acting Inspector General; William J. Diggins, Interim Deputy Inspector General; Brian Dunn, Chairperson; Jae Jin Pak, Board Member; Shirley Perez, Board Member; Angela Hearts-Glass, Board Member; Megan Norlin, Board Member; Pamela S. Oller, Administrative Assistant
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m.
Chairperson Dunn - today's meeting consists of newly appointed board members and Acting Inspector General. Topics of discussion today are the foundation of OIG, meeting schedule for the year, and introductions with a brief background of all present.
Overview of IDHS OIG Operations
Statutory Responsibilities - Quality Care Board Members reviewed the Statute.
Acting Inspector General Neumer - Explained the Illinois Department of Human Services Act and the realm of OIG's jurisdiction within the Act. The office has a long-term goal (5-year period) to expand into other areas that may currently be outside of OIG's jurisdiction.
OIG Staff and Facilities - Acting Inspector General Neumer reported by the end of FY2020 the office will have approximately 80 employees. The office is hoping to create additional positions. Main body of OIG staff is investigatory. Discussed the organization chart and locations of staff throughout the State. Discussion regarding hiring protocol within the State. Discussed number of facilities (14) within the State of Illinois at which OIG performs site visits. Discussed the average caseload per investigator and the plan for caseload distribution, due to the variance of cases that result from the location of each Bureau.
OIG FY2019 Annual Report - Acting Inspector General Neumer reported the OIG is obligated by statute to file the report annually. The report should be available on IDHS website. Summarized the content of annual report and the office has a goal to have a summary of registry cases included in the report.
OIG Priorities Short-term and Long-term
Acting Inspector General Neumer reported the long-term goals for the OIG:
- Fulfill its mission
- Become an independent agency
- Ability to report more in order to deter the abuse/neglect that is occurring within Illinois.
Invited any notions the board may have for the OIG. Chairperson Dunn - stated this is good framework to cover in the future and would like to discuss some initial topics.
Acting Inspector General Neumer reported the short-term goals for the OIG:
- Create a Conflict of Interest Policy, which is currently in the draft format. Would like to roll this policy out by end of January.
- Revise format for reporting a substantiated finding, which is currently in draft format.
- Streamline the intake/complaint process - with end goal of using our resources in the most targeted way possible that does not cause harm to individuals. Discussion on the process of streamlining the intake/complaint process as it compares to current practice.
- Establish executive positions
- Upgrade technology utilized within OIG
Chairperson Dunn - Inquired to the number of individuals placed on administrative leave as a result of OIG's investigation. Acting Inspector General Neumer answered the number is in the hundreds and explained the process: allegation received, start of an investigation, the finding from investigation, OIG's recommendations, and the result of each consequence. Reiterated his goal of working with the board in order to achieve the goals for OIG. Chairperson Dunn - the topics discussed will be included on future meeting agendas.
Agendas for Future Meetings
Chairperson Dunn recommends the board meet the second Tuesday of each month mid-day (either teleconference or in person). Acting Inspector General in agreement with this proposal.
- Next scheduled Quality Care Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. (via teleconference and/or in person at Chicago location)
- Tentative Quality Care Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.
Logistics
Chairperson Dunn inquired as to what the board should review for basic knowledge of OIG. Acting Inspector General Neumer recommended they board review Rule 50 and the Statutes that govern the OIG. OIG will send the following to the board for their review:
- Statute for administrative leave and removal of individuals from a facility
- Draft of revised intake form
Chairperson Dunn will send the board members the links needed for the review of statutes discussed. Also, reminded the members of the required training they need to complete as part of their responsibility as a board.
Other Business
The previous minutes of April 26, 2019, meeting will be reviewed and voted on at the next board meeting.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 1:11 p.m.
