Judge orders Florida to stop putting children in nursing homes

State rebuked in 79-page ruling for systemic institutionalization' of medically fragile children

A pediatric doctor who saw first-hand the misery caused by Florida's antiquated" practice of locking medically fragile children in nursing facilities, and preventing parents and caregivers from looking after them at home, has welcomed a court order ending the policy.

District court judge Donald Middlebrooks rebuked the state in a scathing 79-page ruling for its systemic institutionalization" of the children, and flagrant breaches of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which compels care to take place in the least restrictive environment available.