Emily Hoerner

Emily Hoerner is an investigative reporter who works with data. She covers issues involving public health matters, health care systems and education. She previously covered judges, prisons, policing and criminal justice at Injustice Watch.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, shown outside her Rogers Park office on June 10, 2026, sponsored legislation seeking to strengthen Illinois laws related to sexual abuse in healthcare settings. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

New protections on the way for patients against sexual abuse, misconduct by healthcare workers

June 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

A 2024 Chicago Tribune investigation exposed how healthcare systems failed to protect patients from abuse and state government failed to hold them accountable.

State Sen. Michael Halpin of Rock Island, shown May 28 in the Illinois Senate chamber, was a sponsor of the bill strengthening oversight of adult guardianships. "When our most vulnerable are put in the care of a stranger we have to guarantee that individual’s safety and financial security,” he said in a news release. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

New safeguards approved for Illinois hospitals’ adult guardianship cases

June 8, 2026 at 9:06 a.m.

A bill strengthening protections for adults under guardianship gained approval from Illinois lawmakers, six months after publication of a Tribune investigation.

Anna Vargas, shown in her room at a Glenview nursing home this month, had a private guardian for a time after being hospitalized in 2023. She is now under the care of the Cook County public guardian. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

When hospitals choose private guardians, patients pay the price

November 30, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

When Chicago hospitals seek guardians for patients with assets, a law firm and a private care management organization get nearly all the business.

Gary Brown, shown in October, said he was taken by surprise when Northwestern Memorial Hospital filed a petition to place his father, Gary Ellis, under guardianship of the state. Ellis died before the family could regain control. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago hospitals funnel patients into long-lasting guardianships, angering friends and family

December 1, 2025 at 9:10 a.m.

Chicago-area hospitals recently initiated hundreds of guardianship petitions in just 18 months, a Chicago Tribune investigation has found.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy speaks during a hearing of the Ethics and Elections Committee on April 10, 2024, at the Stratton Building in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Lawmakers vote in favor of bill addressing sexual misconduct in health care, following Tribune report

March 19, 2025 at 5:08 p.m.

Lawmakers vote in favor of bill expanding reporting requirements related to sexual misconduct in health care, following Tribune investigation.

The former NorthShore office of Dr. Fabio Ortega in Lincolnwood on Feb.13, 2024. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Endeavor Health settles final 23 pending cases involving former gynecologist Dr. Fabio Ortega, accused of sexually abusing patients

February 19, 2025 at 4:13 p.m.

Endeavor Health has settled the last batch of pending suits filed against it by patients who alleged abuse by Dr. Fabio Ortega.

Emily Hoerner

All Stories

New protections on the way for patients against sexual abuse, misconduct by healthcare workers

New safeguards approved for Illinois hospitals’ adult guardianship cases

When hospitals choose private guardians, patients pay the price

Chicago hospitals funnel patients into long-lasting guardianships, angering friends and family

Lawmakers vote in favor of bill addressing sexual misconduct in health care, following Tribune report

Endeavor Health settles final 23 pending cases involving former gynecologist Dr. Fabio Ortega, accused of sexually abusing patients

Medical misconduct: Read the investigation on sexual abuse by providers

Criminally charged health care providers keep working unrestricted as state action lags

Man in critical condition after Lincoln Park shooting Wednesday

Endeavor Health is spending up to $453 million to settle patients’ claims that a former doctor sexually abused them