State Revokes Licenses Of 11 Health Care Professionals For Offenses Against Patients
CHICAGO (CBS) – A state regulatory agency on Monday pulled the licenses of 11 health care professionals who were convicted of sex offenses or violent crimes against patients.
Under a new law Gov. Pat Quinn signed last month, the state will permanently revoke the professional license of any health care worker who has been convicted of a sex offense or of a violent crime against a patient -- without a hearing. The new law also bars convicted sex offenders from being licensed as health care workers.
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"The State takes its responsibilities to protect our residents seriously," Brent E. Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation, said in a news release. "This new law establishes tough outcomes that are intended to shield Illinois patients from health care workers who have been convicted of sex offenses and certain violent crimes."
The 11 whose licenses were revoked are:
• Kenneth William Hayden, a registered nurse from Lake Villa
• Nancy Allen, a registered nurse from Chicago
• Jeffery Lee Knapp, a registered nurse from Elgin and Niles, Mich.
• Darwin S. Calilap, a registered nurse from Beach Park
• Joseph J. Cichon, a physician and surgeon from Streator
• Morris A. McCall, a physician and surgeon from Carmi
• Gary Lee Almy, a physician and surgeon from Long Grove
• Stephen Charles Adler, a physician and surgeon from Moline
• Deen Venkatesan, a physician and surgeon from Darien
• Timothy Aleman, a registered nurse from Blue Island
• Luis M. D'Avis, a physician and surgeon from Skokie
Allen, who, according to the state, was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault, does not contest the revocation. But D'Avis, whom the state says battered a patient, argues it is unfair.
"This is double jeopardy, and this is very unconstitutional," he told CBS 2.
Sponsoring state Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, said the law will pass legal muster.
"Patient safety is paramount," he told CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman.
Contributing: Sun-Times Media Wire
