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Click here to view video of Mr. Farley's presentation, Obtaining Funding or Services for Children & Adults with DD in the State of Illinois.

Federal Judge Orders State
of Illinois to Provide Community-based Nursing Care to Children with Severe Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Decision is the Result of a Class Action Lawsuit filed by Attorney Robert H. Farley, Jr.

On April 6, 2016, Federal Judge Charles P. Kocoras issued a court order requiring the State of Illinois to "take immediate and affirmative steps to provide the very in-home shift nursing services that [the State of Illinois] approved."

More than 1200 children have been approved for in-home nursing services based on their high level of medical need. Many of these children are dependent on complex medical regimens for routine bodily functions, such as eating, drinking, breathing, and oxygen regulation. Yet, the State has failed to arrange for in-home nursing, resulting in unnecessary and costly institutionalization, heightened risk of medical complications, and diminished quality of life.

The Plaintiffs are represented by the legal team of Robert H. Farley, Jr., as lead counsel, and Legal Council for Health Justice (attorneys Thomas D. Yates and Shannon M. Ackenhausen), and National Health Law Program (attorneys Jane Perkins and Sarah Somers). The case, O.B. v Norwood, represents a new frontier in Medicaid case law after a series of Supreme Court rulings limiting the ability of advocates to turn to the courts to hold States accountable for legally-required services.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the Press Release.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the Preliminary Injunction Order.