January 23, 2006 – Depaul Health Center, St. Louis, Missouri: Patient Care & HIPPA Laws

January 23, 2006

Ms. Melinda Clark, President
DePaul Health Center
12303 DePaul Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63044

Re: Carolyn Nance – Patient

Ms. Clark:

I, Fred Nance Jr., am writing this letter on behalf of my daughter, Carolyn Nance. Carolyn Nance entered DePaul Health Center (Center) on or about December 31, 2005. She had medical procedures done, which included a Hysterectomy. On Saturday, January 21, 2006, I requested medical information from the Center. My daughter is housed in room 646.

On January 21, 2006 I called at approximately 9:15 am (CST) requesting to speak to the RN on my daughter’s case, which was Lisa. I asked Lisa to provide my daughter with a release of information form so I could obtain a health and physical, all medications, medical procedures (if any), and diagnosis and prognosis. I informed Lisa I worked for a hospital in the Chicago area, and am familiar with HIPPA laws and the ethical reasoning surrounding it. I informed Lisa I was putting in place an alternative plan for health treatment for my daughter if she and her children decided to come live with me during her rehabilitation period.

Lisa called me back at approximately 11:00 am (CST). Lisa informed me she could not provide this information according to the HIPPA laws. Lisa informed me my daughter would have to request the release of information. I informed Lisa the patient did not have to request this information. I informed Lisa a family member can request the information, and have the responsible party of the Center facilitate the patient agreement of the request (sign release of information). I informed Lisa I perform this procedure daily. I informed Lisa this would not violate HIPPA laws. Lisa refused to facilitate the release of information. I requested to speak to her supervisor.

Supervisor Joan McEnaney, who stated she was the Charge Nurse, came to the phone. I explained the above to her. Ms. McEnaney began explaining how she could not provide me with the information I was requesting. I requested to speak to the Administrator of the hospital. Ms. McEnaney informed me Ms. Corey Elliott was the on-call Administrator.

Ms. McEnaney took my information for Ms. Elliott to call me. Ms. Elliott called me. I explained the situation to her. Ms. Elliott stated she would look into the matter and call me back. Ms. Elliott called me back stating the Nurse informed her, my daughter stated she was refusing to give me permission to have a copy of her medical information. I informed Ms. Elliott I would call my daughter.

I called my daughter informing her of what was said to me. My daughter informed me the nurse came to her room stating I wanted my daughter’s original medical files. My daughter informed me she refused because she did not want me to have her original medical files because she needed copies upon her release. I informed my daughter the nurse lied to her because the nurse did not want me to have copies of her medical files. My daughter informed me she had no problem with me having copies of her medical files. I informed my daughter I would take it from here.

I called the number on my caller ID for Ms. Elliott. I informed Ms. Elliott of what my daughter reported to me. Ms. Elliott stated this would not be happening if she was at the hospital. Ms. Elliott informed me she would look into this matter and return my call with the results. Ms. Elliott also informed me she would call and talk to my daughter, personally.

Ms. Elliott called me back reporting I could obtain the information, and that, my daughter was signing the release of information. I gave Ms. Elliott my fax number. I received the Health and Physical and Medications for January 2nd, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 20th. Where are the medications for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 18th, and 21st? In addition, where is the information on the surgical procedure performed diagnosis and prognosis? Ms. Clark, would you please answer these questions?

I called the Center on January 23, 2006 at approximately 8:30 am requesting to speak to the Charge Nurse about the information I did not receive reported above. Ms. Sailor, who reported she was the Charge Nurse, came to the phone. I informed her of what information I did not receive. Ms. Sailor stated she would have to get her immediate supervisor, Kathy Bonser, to call me because she could not assist me. It appears your nurses need training in the HIPPA regulations. This could not possibly be an isolated incident. Your nurses must believe they are gods or something. The attitudes expressed and behaviors acted out by your nursing staff are unbelievable and appears to be unprofessional.

Ms. Clark, I am a doctoral candidate in Human Services. I am proficient in my studies and academic work. My focus is Social Policy Analysis and Planning. I am well equipped to understand and implement HIPPA laws and recommendations. Ms. Clark, I called your office this morning to alert you to this letter and to receive your fax number to send you a soft copy, with hard copy coming in the mail. In addition, for your information my daughter has been in this Center twice (2) before complaining about the same medical issues, which are being addressed now. There is something wrong with this picture. I have not heard from your supervisor, Kathy Bonser, as of the writing of this letter.

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/

December 20, 2005 – Illinois Cook County Court Reporters Office: Unprofessional Behavior

December 20, 2005

Court Reporters Office
Ms. Marilyn Filishio, Administrator
69 West Washington, Suite 900
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Re: Transcripts for Estate of Romeo Ashford; Case No. 00 P 1267

Ms. Filishio:

I, Fred Nance Jr., ordered transcripts in this case on December 5, 2005. The transcripts ordered are for the following dates with court reporters: July 1, 2005 – Khalidah Kali, July 15, 2005 – Michelle Blanks, and November 2, 2005 – Katrina Alexander in courtroom 1809, Judge James Riley.

On or about December 9, 2005 I received my copy of the Court Reporters Transcript Order. I called 312-603-8402 requesting to speak to the three (3) court reporters mentioned above to make arrangements for transcription. I was connected to the voice mails of Khalidah Kali and Katrina Alexander. I left voice messages for both individuals. Ms. Alexander called me.

I was told Michelle Blanks resigned from the Court Reporters Office. I requested to speak to a supervisor about contacting Michelle Blanks. I was connected to Sandy Provenzano. I explained my issue with contacting Ms. Blanks. Sandy stated she would try to contact Ms.Blanks. I asked for Ms. Blanks contact information. Sandy Provenzano refused to give me any information on Ms. Blanks.

Ten days later, on December 19, 2005, I called your office following up on my transcript request. I left a message for Ms. Alexander requesting a follow-up call. I left another message for Khalidah Kali. Ms. Kali has not returned any of my calls. I spoke to Sandy requesting return calls from all three court reporters. I informed Sandy I spoke to Ms. Alexander but did not remember if I spoke to Ms. Blanks. I informed Sandy I spoke to someone who informed me they would be going out of town and expected to be back on December 19, 2005. I informed Sandy I had not heard from Ms. Kali. I asked Sandy for Ms. Kali’s supervisor name and number. Sandy gave me Jim Lawless and 312-603-8525.

On December 19, 2005 I called Mr. Lawless. Mr. Lawless’ voice mail answered and I left a detailed message stating I had left two voice mail messages for Ms. Kali and requested an answer to my request for transcripts. On December 20, 2005 I called Mr. Lawless again. His voice mail came on and I left another message requesting he call me about the non-response of Ms. Kali. As the writing of this letter at 5:25 pm December 20, 2005 I have not received a response from Mr. Lawless.

On December 20, 2005 Ms. Blanks called me. She corrected me, and rightfully so, stating she called me before she left town. I informed Ms. Blanks I stated to Sandy I was not sure of who I spoke with, but I know they told me they would be going out of town and would return on December 19, 2005. Ms. Blanks estimated the transcript to be 15 pages. Ms. Blanks stated she needed $50.00 as a deposit, payable to her.

I informed Ms. Blanks I would take a check down to 69 West Washington, Suite 900. Ms. Blanks informed me I had to leave $50.00 cash. I informed Ms. Blanks I needed to be able to trace the money for the transcripts. Ms. Blanks informed me I would receive a receipt. I asked Ms. Blanks if Attorneys and Law firms were held to the same standard of payment. Ms. Blanks informed me Pro Se individuals had to pay cash, and that my receipt would be enough for me. I informed Ms. Blanks I would call her back after talking to the Court Reporters Office.

I called the Court Reporters Office requesting to speak to Sandy. Sandy Provenzano informed me I had pay $50.00 cash because I was not an attorney or working with a law firm. Sandy informed me Pro Se individuals have submitted checks that bounced or they have cancelled checks submitted. I informed Sandy this was a deposit, I was not picking up a transcript, and by the time the transcript arrived they would know my check was good. Sandy informed me I could not leave a check as a deposit. Sandy stated I had to pay cash. I requested the name and phone number of her supervisor. Sandy informed me she was the Assistant Administrator. I told Sandy then give me the name of the Administrator.

Sandy gave me Ms. Marilyn Filishio as the Administrator for the Court Reporting Office. Sandy stated she was not going to give me Ms. Silishio’s extension or phone number. I requested Sandy transfer me to her supervisor. Sandy told me I could call back and have the front desk ring Ms. Filishio’s office. I requested Sandy transfer me to the front desk. Sandy transferred me to the front desk. I requested to speak to Ms. Filishio.

I was transferred to Ms. Filishio’s office. I was told Ms. Filishio was on another call. I left a message for her to call me stating I was going to write this letter and post it on my website at: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/. This was at 3:00 pm. I did not hear from Ms. Filishio and called back at 4:15 pm. I requested Ms. Filishio’s fax number, and requested from the person answering the phone to tell Ms. Filishio I decided to write this formal complaint and I will fax it to her along with posting on my website.

While I was typing this letter, Ms. Blanks called stating my transcript was done. Ms. Blanks reports it was 11 pages, and would cost $34.65. Ms. Blanks and I agreed upon a money order as sufficient payment for the completed transcript.

My basic concern with Court Reporters Office management is the blatant and demeaning assumed power of Ms. Sandy Provenzano. Ms. Provenzano does not act or speak to customers as a manager or professional. Why does a professional or manager of the Cook County Court Reporters Office refuse to give the phone number of their superiors? In addition, according to established law and principle, a Pro Se litigant should be treated as an attorney. There can be no indifferent treatment in the litigation processes. If an attorney or a law firm can pay for a transcript with a check, a pro se litigant should be able to exercise the same standard.

I need to know why Mr. Jim Lawless has not returned my calls. I need to know why court reporter Khalidah Kali has not returned my calls. What kind of supervision is taking place in the Illinois Cook County Court Reporters Office? Is there nepotism here also? I expect to receive a call or a written reply to this letter from Ms. Marilyn Filishio in a reasonable amount of time.

Faxed copies will be sent to the individuals listed below, including Ms. Marilyn Filishio. An original hard copy will be mailed to Ms. Marilyn Filishio. I will publish and post this letter on my website at: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc: Cynthia Cobbs, Director of Administration for the Court Reporters
Timothy Evans, Chief Judge

January 10, 2006 – Cook County Court Reporters Office: Mismanagement and Discourteous Service to Customers

On January 10, 2006 I received a letter, Supreme Court Rule 323(b), from Ms. Sandra M. Provenzano in the mail. This letter has as Judge Kathleen McGury. The transcripts requested are for Judge James Riley. It is clearly marked on each transcript. It is clearly stated on my Court Reporters Transcript Order requested on December 5, 2005. I will submit this letter to the Civil Appeals Division at the Daley Center, here in Chicago, on January 11, 2006. If there is a discrepancy needing change, Ms. Provenzano should make it. I will call her office on January 11, 2006 informing her of her error. I will request she rectify it and make the necessary changes submitting it to the Civil Appeals Division, 8th Floor, Daley Center, Chicago, Illinois. It is clearly not my error. I will not make another trip to Chicago to correct Ms. Provenzano’s error.

January 10, 2006

Court Reporters Office
Ms. Marilyn Filishio, Administrator
69 West Washington, Suite 900
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Re: Transcripts for Estate of Romeo Ashford; Case No. 00 P 1267

Ms. Filishio:

On January 4, 2006 I finally received the transcripts from your office ordered on December 5, 2005. I wrote an extensive letter to you dated December 20, 2005 on this issue. On January 9, 2006 at approximately 10:35 am I went to the Civil Appeals Division at the Daley Center in Chicago to file these transcripts with Ms. Jan Basile in Appellate Court case # 05-3854.

Ms. Basile refused my filing stating I needed a Supreme Court Rule 323(b) letter. Ms. Basile stated the Court Reporters’ office knows you have to have a 323(b) letter to file your transcripts. Ms. Basile informed me there were three ways to file transcripts with her office, that is, stipulation between the parties, court order from a judge, and the 323(b) letter. I informed her I could only avail myself to the letter I informed her I knew of this rule. Ms. Basile informed me she had until January 30, 2006 to have the Record on Appeal ready for submission to the Appellate Court. Ms. Basile stated her office needs the transcripts and the 323(b) letter at least 15 days before the Record on Appeal is due.

On January 9, 2006 I called your office requesting to speak to you on four different occasions. You refused to return my calls. Three of these calls were made between 10:40 am to 11:15 am. I called Mr. Jim Lawless at 312-603-8525. I informed him I needed a 323(b) letter. He told me no one knew I needed a 323(b) letter.

Mr. Lawless informed me the Court Reporters office needed a copy of my “Docketing Statement” filed with the Appellate Court in order to issue a 323(b) letter. I went to the Illinois Appellate Court, which is a block or two down the street, to get a copy of the “Docketing Statement” I filed with that Court. I had a copy when I picked up my transcripts from your office on January 4, 2006. I had a copy because of my reading 323(b) before coming to your office.

On January 9, 2006 at approximately 10:50 am I went to your office requesting the 323(b) letter. I requested to speak to you and Mr. Jim Lawless about this 323(b) letter. Mr. Lawless came to talk to me at approximately 11:25 am. After a lengthy discussion with Mr. Lawless about your office’s responsibility and my need for this 323(b) letter, he informed me I did not have a right to a copy of the letter.

Mr. Lawless informed me opposing counsel would receive the 323(b) letter. Mr. Lawless left me at the window stating he was going to give my “Docketing Statement” to Sandy. I informed Mr. Lawless I wanted a copy of the 323(b) letter in a timely manner.

On January 9, 2006 Ms. Sandy Provenzano called me about 3:00 pm stating she was putting my copy of the 323(b) letter in the mail. Ms. Provenzano stated I would be receiving the “original” copy of the letter. I called and spoke to Ms. Basile of the Civil Appeals Division reporting the call I received from Ms. Provenzano. Ms. Basile informed me I should bring this letter in as soon as possible to avoid the Appellate Court dismissing my record.

Ms. Filishio, your negligence in returning my calls and Mr. Lawless remarks about having knowledge of an appeal in this matter is absurd and outrageous. No one orders transcripts of proceedings, especially a pro se litigant, for the purpose of reading material. Upon my entry into your office area, I requested to speak to you. The clerk (black female) who approached me stated she could not inform you of my request. She had to refer my request to another person (white male) who was sitting at the front desk.

While speaking to Mr. Lawless about his statement of having no knowledge of an appeal in this matter, I suggested he review the messages I left on his voice mail, which he did not respond to in a timely manner back in December of 2005. I informed him I left messages for him on his voice mail looking for the court reporter under his supervision. I informed him in the voice mail I needed the transcripts for an appeal. On January 9, 2006, I informed Mr. Lawless since he has a lapse of memory regarding this issue, he can read about it in the letter I will send to his supervisor, Ms. Filishio.

When I picked up the transcripts on January 4, 2006, I should have had a 323(b) letter attached to them. If I needed additional information for your office to acquire this letter, I should have been given this information. This information should not have been told to me at the time of filing my transcripts with the Civil Appeals Division. Your office personnel, especially your supervisors, should know their responsibilities. Mr. Lawless was totally out of line with me. Your office managers mirror your character and behavior. Your negligence in this matter reflects your office managers’ character and behavior.

The actions complained of this letter and the letter of December 20, 2005 should be investigated by your supervisor, Chief Judge Timothy Evans. I have requested of Mr. Evans an investigation into the activities of your office regarding the matters spoken of in the December 20, 2005 letter, and I will reiterate my request to include the matters spoken of in this letter. I have also requested of Chief Judge Evans an investigation into the letter written to him from one of your previous court reporters, Ms. Michelle Blanks. Ms. Blanks graciously gave me a copy of this letter, giving me permission to publish and post it on my website. I have informed Chief Judge Evans I have possession of this letter. I have also received an “anonymous” statement/response from another court reporter supporting Ms. Blanks statements and allegations on how your office is managed. I have also published and posted this statement on my website.

When you do not return calls from your office, treat people as illustrated in Ms. Blanks letter to Chief Judge Timothy Evans, it displays a character and behavior of veiled agendas. Apparently, you are afraid of openly addressing an issue of negligence and mismanagement within your office. This act alone is outrageous, unbecoming of a supervisor and a discourteous service provided to customers by the Cook County Court Reporters Office under your regime. Apparently, you believe and assume you are above reproach and the law.

This letter will be faxed and a hard copy sent in the mail to Ms. Filishio and Chief Judge Timothy Evans.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc: Mr. Timothy Evans, Chief Judge
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/

September 5, 2005 – Timothy Evans, Chief Judge of Cook County Illinois: Why can’t the County Court Reporters Keep its Employees?

JUDGE TIMOTHY EVANS: WHERE IS THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE SUSPICIOUS PRACTICES OF THE ILLINOIS COOK COUNTY COURT REPORTERS!!!!

An employee of the Illinois Cook County Circuit comments on this writing. This employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, reports she sees what I report occur several times daily. The employee reports normal rules of common courtesy are violated everyday along with the law. The employee reports a pre-approved request for a “sick day” is accurate. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE EMPLOYEE REPORTS MANAGEMENT REQUIRES ITS WORKERS TO COMMIT FRAUD.

I guess I was right about the unprofessional behavior of the Illinois Cook County’s Court Reporters Office, your Honor. Michelle did not share this letter with me until I told her about the writing I posted on my site. One of their own informed me you were informed through the letter below, which Michelle has never heard from your office. What will the public think about your office’s lack of attention to the concerns Michelle Blanks’ letter informing you of the unprofessional behavior of the management team at the Illinois Cook County’s Court Reporters’ Office?

Ms. Michelle Blanks informed me she has not received a response from anyone regarding her issues even though she took the time to send it by Certified Mail. Your Honor, this is a shame and should be an embarrassment. Is this a common practice? The issues Michelle raises may be the reason why I could not get responses from the court reporters I wrote about in my letter posted on December 20, 2005. Michelle deserves an answer or response Judge. Viewing public, what do you think? Maybe nepotism is fast at work. You all know about the “good” ole boy policy. It’s fast at work in Illinois.

Michelle also corrected my spelling of Ms. Filishio’s name. I must go back to my writing of December 20, 2005 to make the correction. One must always spell an individual’s name correctly.

Michelle Blanks emailed me this letter giving me permission to post it. One of you guys should call her and address her issues unless their is something to hide.

http://www.blogger.com/frednance@clickservices.org

September 5, 2005

Honorable Timothy C. Evans, Chief Circuit Judge
Richard J. Daley Center
Room 2900
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Re: Administration at 69 W. Washington, Chicago, IL

Dear Honorable Timothy C. Evans:

I would like to bring your attention to the administration at 69 W. Washington.

My name is Michelle S. Blanks, CSR. I joined the employment of the Judicial Branch of the State of Illinois on September 22, 2004, as a Court Reporting Specialist II. Along with that title came great responsibilities, responsibilities that I, in that capacity, was capable of assuming.

It was a wonderful experience having worked within the judicial branch providing a valuable service to all of the Honorable Justices that I have had the pleasure of covering their court calendars. Thank you in that regard for employing my services.

However, I regret to inform you that I have recently resigned my position as of September 1, 2005, with the State of Illinois Official Court Reporters Office at 69 W. Washington.

Under the current administration of Marilyn Filishio, Administrator of Court Reporters, and Sandra Provenzano, Supervisor of Domestic Relations, I am very dissatisfied with their official roles.

Under this administration, I have been required to give notice to Sandra Provenzano that if and when I use my nominal sick days, that I should inform her days in advance as not to disrupt her scheduling. If these rules were not followed, I would be “Punished”. Punishment came in many forms: reassignment to heavier court calendars; working beyond 4:30 p.m. without time compensation; reassignment to other districts. Basically, creating a very hostile work environment.

Sir, respectfully, this letter is not a complaint. It is an “awareness” of the many forms of intimidation that is going on under the direction of Marilyn Filishio and Sandra Provenzano. Many reporters have come and gone under this administration. Why? Why can’t 69 W. Washington keep its reporters?

Sir, respectfully, I will tell you that this letter is a resonance of those who have come and are gone. As an officer of the court, Sir, I request that you delve into the seriousness of this ongoing concern.

Thanking you in advance for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Michelle S. Blanks, CSR

C: Cynthia Y. Cobbs, Director
Marilyn Filishio, Administrator of Court Reporters
Sandra Provenzano, Supervisor of Domestic Relations

January 8, 2006 – Illinois’ Governor Rod Blagojevich and Senator James Meeks: Taking care of "personal" business

Well, it seems Governor Rod Blagojevich and Senator James Meeks have come to an agreement for the trouble Mr. Meeks and his family endured at the hands of Chicago’s finest. Governor Blagojevich has decided to put cameras in a few Chicago Police cars. This is a good. Do you think Governor Blagojevich is trying to get the “black” vote? Neither of these characters do anything for their constituents that have real meaning.

I had a similar incident with the Village of South Holland Illinois and their Police Department. Do you think Governor Blagojevich and Senator Meeks had me on television reporting how they are “fixing” my problem. They have not even contacted me about the issues I have raised, let alone broadcast it over a national television program. Please, don’t believe the hype.

I have written numerous letters to both, Governor Blagojevich and Senator Meeks about the Village of South Holland Illinois and their Police Department’s harassment, discrimination and intimidation to me and my family. It seems I am not as powerful or “connected” as they are to each other to get any assistance. I guess you have to be a politician to get assistance from those you vote into office. Governor Blagojevich is only trying to get the black vote.

I voted for Senator Meeks. I voted for Governor Blagojevich. I believed them when they reported they would work for all the people. It appears they only work for each other’s interest. We, their constituents are superficial actors. They use us to get into office. They need our vote.

Of course, they get a few things done for us as long as we do not ask them for anything or to address issues brought against their “buddies.” When it comes to reporting a contributor or “partner” of theirs or one of the “good Ole boys”, they seem to forget us, the common voter. I guess you have to be a good close friend of Governor Blagojevich or Senator Meeks to get help or assistance from those you vote into office.

We, the voters, learn lessons the hard way. Go to your Internet sites and type in South Holland Illinois, Senator James Meeks, or Governor Blagojevich. You will see C.L.I.C.K. for Justice and Equality. Check out the issues I have written and noticed Governor Blagojevich and Senator Meeks about. Neither of them have responded. I guess I am not important enough to contact or to give assistance too. They certainly are not going to put me on a national television program and resolve my issues. I am one of the “small” people. I don’t count.

The questions may be: Are you important enough for them to assist you? Do you count? Let them hear from you at the voting polls.