Fourth Circuit: Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia & West Virginia
Circuit Status: MODERATE ENFORCEMENT – Limited federal Olmstead activity; state-level advocacy and Section 504/ADA Title II claims critical.
Virginia: U.S. v. Virginia (Eastern District)
Case Name: U.S. v. Virginia, 3:12-cv-059 (E.D. Va.)
Case Resources:
- Google Scholar Case Search
- PACER Federal Court Records (3:12-cv-059)
- Disability Rights Virginia (P&A)
Settlement: Final order entered August 23, 2012
Status: Settled; enforcement through state-level implementation oversight
Virginia: ARC of Virginia v. Kaine
Case Name: ARC of Virginia v. Kaine, 09-cv-686 (E.D. Va.)
Case Resources:
Related Olmstead enforcement on community integration
West Virginia: DOJ Findings Letter
DOJ Findings: June 1, 2015
DOJ findings on violations in children’s mental health services; administrative resolution sought
Resources:
- Disability Rights West Virginia (P&A)
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
- DOJ Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Cases
North Carolina
Status: No major active federal Olmstead consent decrees identified. State-level advocacy and administrative enforcement through P&A critical.
Resources:
- Disability Rights North Carolina (P&A)
- North Carolina Division of Health Benefits
- DOJ Olmstead Case Archive
Maryland
Status: No major active federal Olmstead consent decrees identified. Section 504 and ADA Title II enforcement available through P&A.
Resources:
- Disability Rights Maryland (P&A)
- Maryland Health Care Commission
- DOJ Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Cases
South Carolina
Status: No major active federal Olmstead consent decrees identified. State advocacy and P&A enforcement mechanisms available.
Resources:
- Disability Rights South Carolina (P&A)
- South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- National Disability Rights Network
Fourth Circuit Enforcement Pattern
The Fourth Circuit has fewer major Olmstead settlements than some other circuits. Advocates in this region should emphasize:
- State administrative complaints under Medicaid regulations (faster than federal court)
- Section 504 and ADA Title II claims which have broader scope than Olmstead-specific arguments
- Protection & Advocacy investigations and enforcement through state P&A systems
- State legislative advocacy for community integration requirements