Congressman Cohen Introduces the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, assuring that the Supreme Court's Olmstead ruling, giving the disabled the qualified right to receive the services they need in a setting of their choice, is honored. The measure was introduced with 48 bipartisan House cosponsors.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Latonya Reeves had to leave Memphis to escape life in a nursing home. No one should have to choose between being institutionalized or moving thousands of miles away to have access to the services and supports needed to lead an independent life in one's own home. This sensible legislation will codify in law that people have a right to receive services in the setting of their choice and protect the freedom of millions of Americans with disabilities to live and work independently in their own homes and communities."

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act would codify judicial precedent and strengthen the right of Americans with disabilities to receive Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in settings of their choice, including prohibiting government entities and insurance providers from denying home- and community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require LTSS. The legislation is named in honor of the late Latonya Reeves, a woman who was forced to flee a Tennessee nursing home and move to Colorado so she could have access to the care she needed to live independently.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

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