Davidson v. Howe

Marilyn Davidson, an intellectually disabled individual, was in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) most of her life. In 1985, Marilyn was transferred to the Fernald Developmental Center, an intermediate care facility (ICF). In 2003, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts decided to close Fernald. DDS planned to transfer Marilyn to the Wrentham Developmental Center, another ICF. Plaintiffs, Marilyn’s guardians, filed a complaint in the federal district court, alleging that Marilyn’s transfer violated the federal Medicaid statute and various implementing regulations. Plaintiffs also sought a motion for a preliminary injunction. The district court denied the injunction and held that the statutory and regulatory provisions cited in the complaint did not create a private right of action. Marilyn was subsequently transferred to Wrentham, and Fernald was closed. The First Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the case to the district court with instructions to dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint, holding (1) Plaintiffs’ claim for damages was barred by the Commonwealth’s Eleventh Amendment immunity from suit for damages in federal court; and (2) Plaintiffs’ claims for declaratory and injunctive relief were moot. View "Davidson v. Howe" on Justia Law