08-26-2009, 06:08 PM
Waukegan methadone clinic to close
Investigation continuing into patient's death; owners closing facility to avoid license revocation, official says
By Lisa Black Tribune reporter
August 26, 2009
A Waukegan methadone treatment clinic under scrutiny for the drug-related death of a patient and controversy surrounding its medical director will close in September, its owners said Tuesday.
State and federal officials recently inspected the Green Dragonfly clinic after the Lake County state's attorney launched an investigation into the death of Steven Vaughn, 30, of Lindenhurst.
Clinic owners announced their decision to close the facility shortly after meeting with Drug Enforcement Administration officials Monday, State's Atty. Michael Waller said.
"The Green Dragonfly did very poorly on the inspections, and they are closing to avoid having their license revoked," said Waller, whose office will continue its investigation.
Tom Green, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Human Services, said, "There were a number of violations that were found in the inspections" by state and federal agencies who reviewed Green Dragonfly.
"DHS will assist in transferring clients to other programs and make sure the transfer is done in an orderly manner," he said.
Lake County Coroner Richard Keller a week ago announced his resignation as the clinic's medical director after the Tribune reported the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vaughn's death.
Keller, a licensed physician, prescribed methadone to Vaughn, who died Dec. 3 after his second treatment at the clinic. Complicating the case is that Keller as county coroner then investigated the victim's death, concluding that Vaughn had mixed the methadone with Xanax, a deadly combination.
Waller questioned whether Keller followed proper procedures in administering the methadone, such as whether he tested the patient's urine for drugs, as is customary. Keller said he had not checked the records and was not sure.
The Illinois Department of Human Services also cited the clinic for not reporting Vaughn's death as required.
Keller said Tuesday that he was surprised to learn of the clinic's closing and declined comment. When asked, he said he has no intention of quitting his elected position as coroner, a 4-year term that ends in 2012.
"All along, Green Dragonfly has relied on the medical advice of Dr. Keller, who is also the Lake County coroner," the clinic said in a prepared statement. "As we continue to investigate the tragedy of the death of Mr. Vaughn, we will hold accountable the failure of anyone to follow the law and proper procedures."
Green Dragonfly owners Mary Olloway and Sandra Hay could not be reached Tuesday. Hay and her husband also own On the Border, a Franklin, Wis., strip club -- a connection also being investigated.
Vaughn's mother, Jill, believes her son lied to Keller and told him that he was addicted to heroin in order to quickly be treated with methadone. He was addicted to Xanax, she said. He did not have a prescription for it, but was using someone else's medication.
Vaughn said she felt bad for other patients who need to find a new treatment center.
Investigation continuing into patient's death; owners closing facility to avoid license revocation, official says
By Lisa Black Tribune reporter
August 26, 2009
A Waukegan methadone treatment clinic under scrutiny for the drug-related death of a patient and controversy surrounding its medical director will close in September, its owners said Tuesday.
State and federal officials recently inspected the Green Dragonfly clinic after the Lake County state's attorney launched an investigation into the death of Steven Vaughn, 30, of Lindenhurst.
Clinic owners announced their decision to close the facility shortly after meeting with Drug Enforcement Administration officials Monday, State's Atty. Michael Waller said.
"The Green Dragonfly did very poorly on the inspections, and they are closing to avoid having their license revoked," said Waller, whose office will continue its investigation.
Tom Green, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Human Services, said, "There were a number of violations that were found in the inspections" by state and federal agencies who reviewed Green Dragonfly.
"DHS will assist in transferring clients to other programs and make sure the transfer is done in an orderly manner," he said.
Lake County Coroner Richard Keller a week ago announced his resignation as the clinic's medical director after the Tribune reported the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vaughn's death.
Keller, a licensed physician, prescribed methadone to Vaughn, who died Dec. 3 after his second treatment at the clinic. Complicating the case is that Keller as county coroner then investigated the victim's death, concluding that Vaughn had mixed the methadone with Xanax, a deadly combination.
Waller questioned whether Keller followed proper procedures in administering the methadone, such as whether he tested the patient's urine for drugs, as is customary. Keller said he had not checked the records and was not sure.
The Illinois Department of Human Services also cited the clinic for not reporting Vaughn's death as required.
Keller said Tuesday that he was surprised to learn of the clinic's closing and declined comment. When asked, he said he has no intention of quitting his elected position as coroner, a 4-year term that ends in 2012.
"All along, Green Dragonfly has relied on the medical advice of Dr. Keller, who is also the Lake County coroner," the clinic said in a prepared statement. "As we continue to investigate the tragedy of the death of Mr. Vaughn, we will hold accountable the failure of anyone to follow the law and proper procedures."
Green Dragonfly owners Mary Olloway and Sandra Hay could not be reached Tuesday. Hay and her husband also own On the Border, a Franklin, Wis., strip club -- a connection also being investigated.
Vaughn's mother, Jill, believes her son lied to Keller and told him that he was addicted to heroin in order to quickly be treated with methadone. He was addicted to Xanax, she said. He did not have a prescription for it, but was using someone else's medication.
Vaughn said she felt bad for other patients who need to find a new treatment center.