March 31, 2026·0:12-cv-60460-DMM·Published·JORDAN·By Aisha Johnson
The Eleventh Circuit addressed a long-standing dispute between the United States and Florida over the care of medically complex children. The court affirmed in part and reversed in part the district court's permanent injunction.
The case involves allegations by the United States that Florida discriminated against medically complex children by failing to provide care in the most integrated setting, violating the ADA.
The court’s reasoning
The court found that the United States established the required Olmstead elements and that the violations warranted a system-wide injunction.
Unjustified isolation is properly regarded as discrimination based on disability.
Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel Zimring, 527 U.S. 581, 597 (1999)
What it means going forward
The decision mandates Florida to improve care coordination and ensure medically complex children receive necessary services.
