FW: THE DEATH OF MENARD PRISONER WILLIAM L. BUHRMESTER B67426

[Jims]

It's probation, not suspension. I assume that means he can still practice but will be watched closely for future violations.

[Forevermah]

He was suspended in January for a period of two years and fined $500..


http://www.idfpr.com/Forms/DISCPLN/0901_dis.pdf

Look at page 10.

[lvanrs2]

i just called wexford and i hope i called the right number 412-937-8590 and was sent to a voice mail system for Don the directer of recruiting and left a message as to why wexford allows a doctor who is on probation to continue to work at Menard Correctional Facility and that an inmate death has occured due to his work performance and I informed him there is a protest going on to the govenors office and wexford should do an investigation and not allow a substandard doctor to work for them.  i just hope i left the message for the right person

[Dazzler]

Here's the state statute for embalming licenses:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1301&ChapAct=225%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B41%2F&ChapterID=24&ChapterName=PROFESSIONS+AND+OCCUPATIONS&ActName=Funeral+Directors+and+Embalmers+Licensing+Code%2E


Now we have to find out if Feinerman has an embalmer's license...

[Dazzler]

On page 11 I see he was placed on probation for a minimum of two years?  I'm not finding a suspension???

[Forevermah]

Okay, sorry, I went back and it did say indefinite probation ... I made the page larger...

[Jims]

Looking at the jobs for Medical Director through Wexford, I found a site showing a position available in Ina (Big Muddy) that pays between $180,000-$210,000. If he's maintaining a private practice as well, I'd say he's doing all right, especially if he's living in Steelville - not exactly a high cost of living there.

[Dazzler]

After reading the procedure for handling an inmate's death...I decided to call the coroner of Randolph County to inquire why a penal institution would embalm a body before the coroner could do an autopsy....no one is available to take my call.  According to guidelines nothing is to be done to an inmate's body until the coroner is notified.  It may not be touched, cremated, embalmed, etc. without permission of the county.  If this has happened I think the Coroner of Randolph County should be answering some questions...I'm gonna see what county our good doctor's offices are in...

Jim's - is Steeleville in Randolph County?  Ava?

[Forevermah]

Ava is a city in Jackson County, Illinois, United States

Steeleville is a village in Randolph County, Illinois, United States

[Dazzler]

thanks, Mah, they are bordering counties....so the doctor has a practice in Randolph County and he's the prison physician.  The coroner is not a physician....so the coroner probably just takes the good doctor's word for the cause of death??  And allows the doctor to embalm a body?  And doesn't question any of this because they probably bowl together....geesh...

[Felicity]

To the family of William Buhrmester~You probably have already pursued this route,but Id like 2 suggest u call Assistant US Atty Joan Laser@312-353-1857.She was the Head Assist.US Atty who conducted the Federal Investigation of CCJ under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.She may not be able 2 help directly,but Im sure she could guide you.Also,the US Atty's general number is 312-353-5300,&their Press Office number is 312-353-5318.These numbers,of course,are 4 the US Atty of the Northern District of IL,but they've already conducted the investigation into CCJ,so they're already well-aware of the violations of inmates civil rights.Id also strongly advise calling The Chicago Reader.They've been doing some incredible pieces of investigative journalism re:violations of inmate rights in IL jails&prisons.Peace,Felicity

[RT]

The Steeleville Ledger had no idea a doctor in their community had been placed on probation. They do now. The Randolph County Trib owns them and the lady I spoke to is contacting the coroner's office as well as Walker office to get some info on this. She also might me popping on here, I gave her the site address.



RT

[Sister]

I made my call to the governor's office as well.  

RT:  The County Journal is the most widely read newspaper in Randolph County.  Their phone number is (618) 497-8272.   They report the most news and would possibly print a story such as this one.  

[Scout]

He can still practice...from the IDFPR website:

Probation - Professionals whose licenses are placed on probation are allowed to continue practicing subject to certain terms and conditions. The conditions imposed as part of an order of probation will vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Orders of probation will also vary in length, but can be imposed indefinitely. In most cases, the disciplined professional would have to petition the Director of DPR to have an indefinite probation lifted.

During the period of probation, the professional is monitored by the Department's Probation Compliance Unit to ensure all terms and conditions are met.

[griz bear]

 
well; I just talked to both governor's offices and it was obvious that they have gotten MORE information than they wanted, but also both people I spoke with stated that they were already talking about who or how to most effectively investigate this.  I also got an email back from a reporter at the News Gazette in Champaign, IL, who did a piece on mental illness and IDOC where I was interviewed; she will be calling me by phone to discuss more of this and I believe that it will get in print in Champaign especially since Hoopeston is close to Champaign and he was treated at Carle in Champaign.  She is very thorough and has been very helpful to me with information and suggestions about how to go bout certain things.  I also think that now would be  good time to look into  a class action suit against IDOC and Wexford for below standard medical treatment for all inmates; I think that this tradegy may open the door to get some real regulation and improvements in all inmate care, I would love to see some Bill passed with Bill's name on it to ensure they never forget the high price he paid for their inhumane and penny pinching ways.  I am going to send an inquiry to one of the local attorney's I know and see what suggestions he has for the Buhrmester's and the rest of us with LO at risk in this system....griz

[KSwife]

I just sent an e-mail to one of the correspondents of TRUtv. They mostly cover court trials, but they also have programming about American Jails and such. I sent the e-mail to Beth Karas and requested she help with any type of investigation their programming may be able to conduct or refer me to someone who may be able to get involved. The have programs that go inside jails and talk of what it's like to be a CO or Inmate, maybe they can start looking more into prison medical care specifically. This has become a hot topic all over. It doesn't hurt to ask for more help in different places.

God Bless
Stacy

[Doll4BabyBoy]

I sent out all the e-mail and I havent
heard one word back~

[Amarie]

I haven't been online for a few days so it is with a sadden heart and tears in my eyes that I read this thread. I, too made my calls I am praying that it does some good.

Billy family and friends have my deepest sympathy. This is a fear of everyone who has a LO in IDOC.  

[ernie694]

Sorry I havent been able to post b4 this,  busy day at work.  I did call this am about 10am both offices and just again got off the phone again.   LMAO   I think they are now just keeping track of how many calls.   What time does the switchboard shut down.  I might be able to get another set of calls off before they close.    It was obvious that they had gotten a lot of calls they knew exactly what i was calling about when i mentions Bill's name. 

Good job IPT.    As i reminded them I am one of those a registered voter who will decided if Mr Quinn will gets to serve another term if he runs.  God i love reminding politicians that.  at least it makes me feel like i have some say in what they may do

OK back to work.   Ill cacth up on reading when i get home

[mamacita1]

I sent out all the email and I haven't
heard one word back~

As a former elected official assistant, let me tell you what is happenning as a result of the phone calls, emails, and mail. They are tallying the totals. This will be reported to the Chief of Staff, who will in turn, report it to the elected officials. Often, the Chief of Staff advises the elected official how to proceed.

Higher ranking assistants have begun to perform their own investigations, in the name of the public officials. Letters will be written and approved by the Chief of Staff.

Lower staff assistants will respond to emails and letters via a form letter that has been pre-approved.

In the meantime, a stir has been created. Since there has been no opposing views at this time (because we were proactive), they will proceed as I had mentioned, even giving an audience to the family and a group of protesters. This is why it is important to move quickly for an audience.

Once opposing views surface (you know, all those ugly people who say prisoners deserve what they get), the elected officials will begin their political and public dance.  It is only the strong ethical officials who don't perform this dance.

Hopefully, there are many elected officials contacted who will also see the moral outrage of this senseless death....and they will see to it that real legislation will pass to avoid something like this again in the state of Illinois.

Illinois has already been slapped in the face with their corrupt public officials. This is an opportunity for elected officials to show that a decent moral thread exists and constitutional protection will be afforded to all citizens, even those who are ill, in prison, and appear to have no voice.

But William and others DO have a voice, even in their death - and we must continue to advocate....

mamacita