Class Action Status Sought For Suit Over Kids In Nursing Homes
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) — Attorneys for around 200 disabled children in nursing homes will ask a federal judge to give class-action status to a lawsuit alleging the state is putting the children in nursing homes unnecessarily and cutting services for their care at home.
The lawsuit filed was against the state on behalf of several children and their caregivers. It alleges the children could benefit from care at home or elsewhere in the community.
Parents say they have no other option than the nursing homes because the state has slashed in-home services.
The U.S. Justice Department filed a similar lawsuit against Florida in July, accusing the state of cutting services that would allow the children to receive care at home.
The state said its program for these children is adequate.
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