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.

Laura Uberti - 07/18/2006


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