Agreement could resolve litigation over services for disabled people in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s health agency and a nonprofit defending people with intellectual and development disabilities have reached an agreement that could resolve a lawsuit seeking action to help those who can’t live at home because services in their communities are lacking.

The Department of Health and Human Services and Disability Rights North Carolina announced this week they had filed in court a proposed order that would address litigation filed in 2017 by Disability Rights, individuals who need services and their guardians. It would also replace a 2022 ruling in that lawsuit from Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour that demanded DHHS provide more community services by certain dates.

Judge Baddour’s order, in part, directed new admissions at state-run development centers, private intermediate care facilities and certain adult care homes had to stop as of early 2028 for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The state appealed Baddour’s decision to the Court of Appeals, saying such changes would close some group homes and cause instability among people who prefer living in their current situations.

Baddour delayed enforcement of his order in the meantime, which gave legal parties time to work out an agreement.

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