What We Do

IN THIS SECTION

Beatrice State Developmental Center

Nebraska Advocacy Services, Inc. (NAS), the Center for Rights, Law, and Advocacy, continues to closely monitor the conditions at the Beatrice State Developmental Center. In addition to reports from the federal Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), NAS has released its investigative report.

NAS has also filed a $1.85 million tort claim against the State of Nebraska on behalf of our client, Debra Bauer, and her brother/guardian Michael Ellsworth. In February 2008, while Debra lived at BSDC, she suffered two broken legs. Debra is a 53-year-old woman and lived at BSDC for 48 years. She is unable to speak and does not walk or stand. Debra requires 24-hour awake supervision and assistance with daily care needs. She uses a wheelchair and needs a mechanical lift to get into and out of it. Despite the fractures to both of her legs from an unreported cause, she received no attention for her injuries for several days.


NAS has been working diligently to pursue justice for the residents at BSDC by:


  • Continuing to personally monitor conditions on-site at BSDC every two weeks.
  • Attempting to negotiate with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to implement recommendations from our report.
  • Initiating legal action on behalf of one of our clients, Debra Bauer, and evaluating additional claims for other persons who have suffered serious injuries at BSDC.
  • Leading efforts in the Legislature as issues develop as well as working with our advocacy allies to move a public policy agenda forward.
  • Continuing our work with various groups to push for systemic changes within the developmental disabilities service system.


For further information on each of these efforts and to access the reports mentioned above, please click on the links below.