An audit has institute serious pro...

An audit has institute serious problems in the way Illinois handles doctors accused of possible misconduct, from investigations being clos improperly to slobbery paperwork to a lack of public information.

Auditor General William Holland reported Tuesday that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is suppos to investigate accusations of misconduct. further some accusations were shelved by way of the staff who took the complaints, while others were sent to investigators still were closed without approval from the department's disciplinary board.

Auditors say 15 percent of cases were clos without evidence the disciplinary board had signed distant from

STAFF SHORTAGE CITED

Investigators did not always have access to past reports forward accusations against doctors when looking into novel allegations, auditors found, and half of investigations lasted longer than the five-month goal the department has risk

The department agrees with a of the audit's findings moreover disputes others. Spokeswoman Susan Hofer said sum of two units outside groups have recently reviewed the department's disciplinary program and given it high marks.

"The bottom line is, we are protecting the commonalty of Illinois from bad doctors," Hofer said.

The audit said a staff shortage interfered with the department's ability to monitor doctors placed forward probation. The department's probation section had single two employees to monitor 1100 cases involving 100 professions.

Auditors also place problems with the agency's communication with the public.

The Medical Disciplinary Board is suppos to have four public members not involved in health care. moreover the last of those public members resigned in March 2005 leaving the board with no the same representing the public.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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