Filed Date: Aug. 8, 1986
Clearinghouse coding complete
In August 1986, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997, against the State of New Mexico. The Complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, asked the court for injunctive relief, alleging that the State had failed to protect the constitutional rights of residents of Fort Stanton Hospital and Training School in Fort Stanton, New Mexico, a state-run facility for developmentally disabled individuals. The State failed to provide medical care, to administer medications correctly, and to use physical restraints only when appropriate.
The lawsuit was prompted by an investigation, which began in December 1984, into the conditions at Fort Stanton. Through interviews and tours, the Department found insufficient medical coverage for residents, including only one doctor on duty, an inaccurate record-keeping system, and the use of chemical restraints. The government's report, issued in December 1985, recommended the employment of a sufficient number of medical staff and the modification of medication practices to conform to professional standards.
We have only the Complaint and the December 1985 report in the file, so we have no further information on this case.
Summary Authors
Laura Uberti (7/18/2006)
Joyce, Patrick M. (District of Columbia)
Lawrence, Paul S. (District of Columbia)
Lutz, William L. (New Mexico)
Meese, Edwin III (District of Columbia)
Peabody, Arthur E. Jr. (District of Columbia)
Last updated July 10, 2022, 1:01 a.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: New Mexico
Case Type(s):
Intellectual Disability (Facility)
Key Dates
Filing Date: Aug. 8, 1986
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
New Mexico Health and Environment Department, State
Fort Stanton Hospital & Training School, State
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Unknown
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General:
Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)
Disability and Disability Rights:
Developmental disability without intellectual disability
Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified
Medical/Mental Health:
Type of Facility: