Evanston Requested Admissions Ban for Albany Care
The city filed an amended injunction to restrict patient intake at the 901 Maple Ave. psychiatric facility.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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On September 4, 2026, the City of Evanston asked a Cook County judge to impose an admissions ban on the Albany Care facility. The request follows a public nuisance lawsuit filed by the city in October 2025 citing safety concerns.
Why it matters
The city claims conditions at the facility have deteriorated since a previous state-ordered admissions ban was lifted in August 2026. Officials cite the need to protect public health and safety as the primary motivation for seeking this court intervention.
The city's legal filing targets the psychiatric facility located at 901 Maple Ave. A two-day hearing regarding the request is scheduled for November 2 and 3.
The players
Albany Care
A psychiatric facility located in Evanston that is currently appealing a license revocation order.
Myron Mackoff
The Cook County judge who presided over the August 2026 decision to lift a previous admissions ban.
Illinois Department of Public Health
The state agency that issued a license revocation order against the facility which is now under appeal.
The details
The city is utilizing home rule powers to push for both a halt on new admissions and the potential discharge of current patients if compliance issues persist. Facility executives have testified that continued operations and mortgage obligations depend on accepting new patient intakes.
Timeline
October 2025: The city filed a public nuisance lawsuit against the facility.
January 2026: Patient Sonia Moreno died at the facility.
August 17, 2026: Judge Myron Mackoff lifted an earlier state-imposed admissions ban.
September 4, 2026: The city filed an amended preliminary injunction request.
November 2 and 3, 2026: The court scheduled hearings for the city's request.
Health Landscape
The city's legal strategy explicitly leverages Illinois Home Rule powers to assert local authority over public health and safety regulations at the private facility.
The potential admissions ban could significantly alter treatment options for individuals seeking care at this specific facility. Residents in the area may see increased regulatory oversight or changes in local facility operations as the nuisance lawsuit proceeds.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between municipal health mandates and the operational requirements of private psychiatric care providers. The upcoming November hearings will determine whether local authority overrides state-level licensing status during the pending appeal.
Further reading
For more information on local regulatory challenges, visit the Substance Abuse section.
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