CILNET Presents Implementing and Enforcing Olmstead A National

CIL-NET Presents… Implementing and Enforcing Olmstead A National Onsite Training Olmstead Developments in the Courts May 11, 2011 Presenter: C. Talley Wells Atlanta Legal Aid CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 1 1

Olmstead Developments What we will cover: • Main controversies from decision • What has been happening in the courts on Olmstead across the country? • Issues going forward CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 2 2

Olmstead v. L. C. (S. Ct. 1999) • 2 women (Lois and Elaine) at Georgia Regional Hospital over 30 times each. • Most important civil rights court decision for people with disabilities • Qualified Right to Live in Community CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 3 3

Olmstead based on Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) • Findings of Historical Discrimination and Segregation • Most Integrated Setting Appropriate to Needs • Requires Reasonable Accommodation but not a Fundamental Alteration CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 4 4

3 Prong Test Olmstead 1. When Treatment Professionals Determine that Community Placement is Appropriate. 2. When individual does not oppose move to community. 3. When placement is reasonable accommodation when balanced with the needs of others with similar disabilities. CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 5 5

Fundamental Alteration Defense fundamentalalteration [defense]. . . would allow the “Sensibly construed, the State to show that, in the allocation of available resources, immediate relief for the plaintiffs would be inequitable. . . ” “If, for example, the State were to demonstrate that it had a comprehensive, effectively working plan for placing qualified persons with mental disabilities in less restrictive settings, and a waiting list that moved at a reasonable pace …. CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 6 6

Fundamental Alteration Defense, cont’d. • Frederick I (3 rd Cir. 2004) plan must be communicated in some manner and a “commitment to action in a manner for which [state] can be held accountable by the courts. ” • Frederick II (3 rd Cir. 2005) – A “vague assurance” not enough. – at a bare minimum should specify the time-frame for discharge, # to be discharged, and general description of community coordination/services necessary. CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 7 7

Fundamental Alteration Defense, cont’d. 2 • Budgetary constraints alone do not create a fundamental alteration defense. Pennsylvania P&A (3 rd Cir. 2005) Or put another way… • Bad economic times for a state alone do not create a fundamental alteration defense. Fisher (10 th Cir. 2003). • Also. . . Burden of fundamental alteration on state. Benjamin (M. D. Pa. 2010). CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 8 8

To Whom Does Olmstead Apply? • In Community, but at risk of institutionalization (don’t have to be in institution) Fisher (10 th Cir. 2003) • Individuals in Nursing Facilities • Individuals in state funded large institution-like group homes DAI (S. D. N. Y. Sept. 2009) (currently on appeal) CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 9 9

To Whom Does Olmstead Apply? cont’d. • State may have obligation to assess individuals in institutions to see who is eligible for community supports. Messier (D. Conn. 2008). CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 10 10

Medicaid Waivers • Olmstead cases often involve Medicaid Waivers. • If qualify for Waiver but not receiving it, does Olmstead automatically apply? Probably not. CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 11 11

Medicaid Waivers, cont’d. • Medicaid Waivers almost never available for people with mental illness b/c Medicaid doesn’t pay for mental health institutions. – This fact often causes disparity in community services/resources for people with mental illness. – (side note) HUD Shelter Plus Care for homeless with mental illness is not allowed for homeless in psychiatric hospital for more than 30 days (but that may change to 90 days). CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 12 12

Medicaid Waivers, cont’d. 2 • Olmstead may require state to expand coverage of Medicaid Waiver. – If state provides service in institution, state might have to provide same service in community whether or not current waiver exists. Grooms (N. D. Ill. 2008); Radaszewski (N. D. Ill. 2008). – However, the existence of waiting lists has been found not to violate Olmstead. (Makin D. Hawaii 1999). But this is challengeable in many ways. CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 13 13

Medicaid Waivers, cont’d. 3 • State cannot reduce services in Medicaid Waivers in way that could increase institutionalization. Fisher (10 th Cir. 2003). CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 14 14

Recent Increased Federal Involvement • U. S. Department of Justice – Amici briefs – DOJ v. Georgia; DOJ in other states – Olmstead public priority of DOJ • Office for Civil Rights, HHS – Georgia 2008 Settlement * Be careful -- Slow and Weak Enforcement, but might improve? ? CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 15 15

Recent Increased Federal Involvement, cont’d. • HUD, CMS, and White House Olmstead initiatives • Money Follows the Person • New Healthcare Reform CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 16 16

Issues Going Forward • Need to speed up. Going way too slow. • What to do about long unmoving waiting lists for those at less risk of institutionalization? (i. e. adults living with parents to avoid institution) • How to get more systemic/comprehensive change? • How Olmstead applies outside of traditional modes? CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 17 17

Our Olmstead Responsibilities • Raise awareness of Olmstead -- policy makers, influencers, stakeholders, and people with disabilities. • Take responsibility for envisioning community infrastructure needed and how to get there, including specifics of costs and mechanics. • Be good stewards of resources. • Litigate! Increase Influence! Change the World! CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 18 18

Thank You Talley Wells Mental Health and Disability Rights Project Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. www. atlantalegalaid. org ctwells@atlantalegalaid. org 404 -377 -0705 ext. 282 CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 19 19

CIL-NET Attribution Support for development of this training was provided by the U. S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration under grant number H 132 B 070002 -10. No official endorsement of the Department of Education should be inferred. Permission is granted for duplication of any portion of this Power. Point presentation, providing that the following credit is given to the project: Developed as part of the CIL-NET, a project of the IL NET, an ILRU/NCIL/APRIL National Training and Technical Assistance Program. CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 20 20