Reese v. Department of Health & Mental Hygiene

HOLLANDER, Judge.

The State of Maryland has “long supported the reduction of inpatient psychiatric hospital beds in favor of community-based programs.” Williams v. Wasserman, 164 F.Supp.2d 591, 634 (D.Md.2001) (Blake, J.). Indeed, since the 1970’s, the State’s “deinstitutionalization” of patients diagnosed with mental illness and developmental disabilities “has been dramatic.” Id. In large measure, that change was prompted by advocates for the disabled, based on their view that disabled individuals are entitled to, and would prefer, community treatment in lieu of institutional care. But, as…