Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn late last month said Dr. Quentin Young declined his appointment to serve as chairman of the Health Facilities Planning Board after discovering that his former practice had partial ownership in a property that leases space to Advocate Health Care.
The relationship could pose a conflict with his duties on the board, which oversees the state’s certificate of need program that regulates hospital construction projects.
“When Dr. Young learned of this possible conflict, he immediately withdrew his name,” Quinn said. “That is a testament to his integrity and his dedication to being an honest public servant and patient advocate.”
Quinn named the prominent health care activist to manage the board earlier in April, citing his integrity and reputation. The board, which has more than 30 construction applications pending, was at the center of corruption charges leveled by the federal government early in its probe of state government that led to the indictment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich in early April. Former members with ties to Blagojevich sought kickbacks from several hospitals seeking approval for construction projects.
