C.J. Dombrowski, an advocate for the individuals with mental illness, was appointed and served as Inspector General from March 1992 through October 1995. Inspector General Dombrowski reported directly to the DMHDD Director. Upon appointing her, then
Governor Jim Edgar stated, "....C.J. will do much more than carry out the traditional mission of investigating allegations of patient abuse at state facilities. She is going to help ensure that our facilities are meeting high standards for treatment and
care."She served as Inspector General from March 1, 1992 to October 15, 1995.
Accomplishments
Inspector General Dombrowski explored new avenues for improving the quality of services provided to individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities. The mission under IG Dombrowski was to work toward the elimination of practices
which cause or contribute to the abuse or neglect of persons with disabilities.
Some of Inspector General Dombrowski's accomplishments were:
- Expanded resources and responsibilities:
- Assumed direct oversight of facility investigators;
- Incorporated the Bureau of Licensure and Certification;
- Hired additional staff to review incidents at community agencies;
- Formalized unannounced site visits and under-reporting audits;
- A citizens' Quality Care Board;
- OIG's role in federal consent decrees involving facilities;
- An Incident Tracking System for use by facilities;
- A Quality Care Line to receive complaints from citizens and family members; and
- Continued staff professionalization:
- Conducted internal case file audits;
- Hired nurses as Clinical Coordinators and used external consultants;
- Initiated system-wide investigative training;
- Held regular statewide OIG meetings; and
- Promulgated a new Investigative Procedure Manual.
