From The Texas Tribune:
“Texas has been violating federal law for decades by sequestering individuals with severe disabilities in poorly run nursing homes without offering them alternative living options and services in the community, a federal judge has ruled.
U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia from the Western District Court of Texas ruled on Tuesday that the state has caused irreparable injury to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by denying them specialized services, including federally-required services within the community.
…Garth Corbett, senior attorney for Disability Rights Texas, praised the court decision, noting it entrenches the rights of individuals to leave a nursing facility and transition to the community.
‘It underscores the right of persons admitted to nursing facilities with IDD to be provided the necessary supports and services required by federal Medicaid law, so that those who want to live at home or in another community-based setting are able to do so safely,’ he said.”
Read the full article on The Texas Tribune website.