Case: Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy v. Reinhard

3:07-cv-00734 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Filed Date: Dec. 3, 2007

Closed Date: Sept. 6, 2011

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about whether the Eleventh Amendment bars a lawsuit by a state-operated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency asserting its records access authority. On December 3, 2007, Virginia Office for P&A filed this lawsuit against the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The P&A filed this lawsuit under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (‘DD Act…

This is a case about whether the Eleventh Amendment bars a lawsuit by a state-operated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency asserting its records access authority. On December 3, 2007, Virginia Office for P&A filed this lawsuit against the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The P&A filed this lawsuit under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (‘DD Act’) and the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (‘PAIMI Act’). Represented by itself, the P&A alleged that the Commissioner violated the DD Act and PAIMI Act when they refused to provide them with records concerning resident deaths at state operated facilities. Judge Robert E. Payne presided over this matter.

This lawsuit began after the Commissioner’s Department refused to provide the P&A with records concerning former residents who died at state operated facilities. The Commissioner filed a Motion to Dismiss the case on May 18, 2008, arguing that because the P&A was a state operated entity, the Eleventh Amendment barred them from filing this lawsuit. On July 18, 2008, the court denied defendant’s Motion to Dismiss because the P&A alleged an ongoing harm and sought prospective relief by requesting an injunction that would require the Commissioner provide the P&A with the records requested and any future records requests.

The Commissioner appealed this decision on July 29, 2008 and filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on July 25, 2009. On June 2, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed this decision and remanded it to the lower court.

The P&A appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In July 2011, the Supreme Court reversed the Fourth Circuit’s decision, and remanded the case with instructions that the case could not be dismissed under the Eleventh Amendment. The court explained that the Eleventh Amendment did not bar this suit by the Virginia P&A, and that private and state operated P&As could file this type of lawsuit. The case settled and closed in September 6, 2011.

Summary Authors

NDRN (3/20/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4773405/parties/commonwealth-of-virginia-virginia-office-for-protection-and-advocacy-v/


Judge(s)

Payne, Robert E. (Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Buckley, Paul James (Virginia)

Attorney for Defendant

Hickey, Jane D. (Virginia)

Thro, William Eugene (Virginia)

Tysinger, Allyson Kurzmann (Virginia)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

3:07-cv-00734

Complaint and Motion for Preliminary Injunction

The Commonwealth of Virginia v. Reinhard

Dec. 3, 2007

Dec. 3, 2007

Complaint
3

3:07-cv-00734

Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

The Commonwealth of Virginia v. Reinhard

Dec. 3, 2007

Dec. 3, 2007

Pleading / Motion / Brief
27

3:07-cv-00734

Memorandum Opinion

The Commonwealth of Virginia v. Reinhard

July 18, 2008

July 18, 2008

Order/Opinion

2008 WL 2795940

29

3:07-cv-00734

Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum in Support

The Commonwealth of Virginia v. Reinhard

July 25, 2008

July 25, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
1

08-01845

Opinion

Commonwealth of Virginia v. Reinhard

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

June 2, 2009

June 2, 2009

Order/Opinion

568 F.3d 110

1

09-00529

Opinion

Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy v. Stewart

Supreme Court of the United States

April 19, 2011

April 19, 2011

Order/Opinion

563 U.S. 247

50

3:07-cv-00734

Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum in Support

Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy v. Stewart

July 28, 2011

July 28, 2011

Pleading / Motion / Brief
52-1

3:07-cv-00734

Settlement Agreement

The Commonwealth of Virginia v. Stewart

Sept. 6, 2011

Sept. 6, 2011

Settlement Agreement

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4773405/commonwealth-of-virginia-virginia-office-for-protection-and-advocacy-v/

Last updated April 9, 2026, 5:11 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 3, 2007

COMPLAINT against all defendants ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 300002985), filed by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet # 2 Receipt)(cgar, ) (Entered: 12/03/2007)

2 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

3 Receipt

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Dec. 3, 2007

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (cgar, ) (Entered: 12/03/2007)

RECAP
3 Dec. 3, 2007

Memorandum in Support re 2 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (cgar, ) (Entered: 12/03/2007)

Clearinghouse
4 Dec. 4, 2007

Summons Issued as to James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti and Charles M. Davis. Mailed to counsel. (cgar, ) (Entered: 12/04/2007)

RECAP
5 Dec. 19, 2007

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendants, James S. Reinhard and Charles M. Davis served on 12/13/2007, answers due 1/2/2008 (cgar, ) (Entered: 12/19/2007)

RECAP
6 Dec. 21, 2007

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Defendant, Denise D. Micheletti served on 12/17/2007, answer due 1/7/2008. (cgar, ) (Entered: 12/21/2007)

RECAP
7 Jan. 2, 2008

MOTION to Dismiss by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) (Entered: 01/02/2008)

RECAP
8 Jan. 2, 2008

RESPONSE in Opposition re 2 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) (Entered: 01/02/2008)

RECAP
9 Jan. 2, 2008

Memorandum in Support re 7 MOTION to Dismiss filed by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) (Entered: 01/02/2008)

RECAP
Jan. 2, 2008

Notice of Correction re: Documents 7 & 8, the filing user has been notified to file future documents with the correct nine-element signature block at the conclusion of the pleading and with the accompanying Certificate of Service (twice with each pleading).(walk, )

10 Jan. 16, 2008

RESPONSE in Opposition re 7 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Buckley, Paul) (Entered: 01/16/2008)

RECAP
11 Jan. 18, 2008

REPLY to Response to Motion re 7 MOTION to Dismiss filed by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) (Entered: 01/18/2008)

RECAP
12 Feb. 5, 2008

ORDER entered by the Clerk at the direction of Court setting an Initial Pretrial Conference to be held at 10:00 a.m. on 2/20/2008. (sneal, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

RECAP
13 Feb. 5, 2008

SCHEDULING ORDER: Initial Pretrial Conference set for 2/20/2008 at 10:00 AM before District Judge Robert E. Payne.. Signed by Judge Robert E. Payne on 2/5/2008. (sneal, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

RECAP
Feb. 11, 2008

for proceedings held before Judge Robert E. Payne : Telephone Conference held on 2/11/2008. Court time: 20 mins. (sneal, )

14 Feb. 12, 2008

ORDER denying without prejudice 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction; it is also ORDERED that a telephone conference shall be held on 2/14/08 at 11:00 a.m. Signed by Judge Robert E. Payne on 2/12/08. (jtho, ) (Entered: 02/12/2008)

RECAP
Feb. 14, 2008

for proceedings held before Judge Robert E. Payne : Telephone Conference held on 2/14/2008. Court time: 15 mins. (sneal, )

15 Feb. 15, 2008

ORDER the United States shall be afforded an opportunity to file a brief amicus curiae or to intervene, if and as, the United States shall be so advised, serving copies upon the parties; ORDERED that by 3/6/2008, United States file a statement of its intention to either intervene or to file a brief amicus curiae; Further ORDERED if United States determines to file a brief or to intervene, it shall file a brief addressing the defendants' motion to dismiss, insofar as it shall implicate the interest of the United States by April 14, 2008; Further ORDERED that by April 29, 2008 defendants file response to the position taken by the United States and that by May 14, 2008 the plaintiff file it's response to the position taken by the United States and defendants; Clerk is directed to send copy of this order to all counsel of record and to Debra Prillaman, Esquire, Assistant United States Attorney who shall assure that a copy of this Order is delivered to the appropriate representative of the agency involved and the Department of Justice. Signed by Judge Robert E. Payne on 2/15/2008. (cgar) (Entered: 02/15/2008)

RECAP
16 Feb. 15, 2008

ORDER for Preservation of Records (SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS). Signed by Judge Robert E. Payne on 2/15/2008. (cgar) (Entered: 02/15/2008)

RECAP
17 Feb. 15, 2008

ANSWER to Complaint and AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis.(Thro, William) (Entered: 02/15/2008)

RECAP
18 Feb. 15, 2008

ORDER that the Initial Pretrial Conference scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on 2/20/08 is cancelled. Signed by Judge Robert E. Payne on 2/15/08. (jtho, ) (Entered: 02/15/2008)

RECAP
19 March 6, 2008

STATUS REPORT and Response to Order of February 15, 2008 by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Prillaman, Debra) (Entered: 03/06/2008)

RECAP
20 April 9, 2008

NOTICE by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA of its Non-Participation in this Action (Prillaman, Debra) (Entered: 04/09/2008)

RECAP
April 22, 2008

Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 5/15/2008 at 01:30 PM before Robert E. Payne. (sneal, )

May 12, 2008

for proceedings held before Robert E. Payne: Telephone Conference held on 5/12/2008. (sneal, )

21 May 15, 2008

ORDER denying without prejudice to the filing by May 19, 2008 7 Motion to Dismiss; Defts elect to file a proper motion, Pltf's response shall be filed May 30, 2008 and Defts' reply shall be filed on June 4, 2008 and oral argument, if necessary, shall be held at 1:30 p.m. on June 27, 2008. Signed by Robert E. Payne on 5/15/2008. (cgar) (Entered: 05/15/2008)

RECAP
22 May 19, 2008

MOTION to Dismiss and Memorandum in Support of Renewed Motion to Dismiss by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) (Entered: 05/19/2008)

RECAP
23 May 30, 2008

RESPONSE in Opposition re 22 MOTION to Dismiss and Memorandum in Support of Renewed Motion to Dismiss filed by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Buckley, Paul) (Entered: 05/30/2008)

RECAP
24 June 4, 2008

REPLY to Response to Motion re 22 MOTION to Dismiss and Memorandum in Support of Renewed Motion to Dismiss filed by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Tysinger, Allyson) (Entered: 06/04/2008)

RECAP
June 5, 2008

Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 6/27/2008 at 01:30 PM before Robert E. Payne. (sneal, )

25 June 27, 2008

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Robert E. Payne: Parties by counsel. Argumetns had on Defts' Renewed Motion to Dismiss. Motion not ruled on at this time. Motion Hearing held on 6/27/2008 re 7 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis. (Court Reporter Peppy Strahan, OCR.) (sneal, ) (Entered: 06/27/2008)

RECAP
26 July 3, 2008

STATUS REPORT by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) (Entered: 07/03/2008)

RECAP
27 July 18, 2008

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by District Judge Robert E. Payne on 7/18/2008. (cgar) (Entered: 07/18/2008)

Clearinghouse
28 July 18, 2008

ORDER denying 22 Renewed Motion to Dismiss. Signed by District Judge Robert E. Payne on 7/18/2008. (cgar) (Entered: 07/18/2008)

RECAP
29 July 25, 2008

MOTION for Summary Judgment and Memorandum in Support by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Buckley, Paul) Modified on 7/29/2008 (cgar). (Entered: 07/25/2008)

Clearinghouse
30 July 29, 2008

NOTICE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL as to 28 Order on Motion to Dismiss, 27 Memorandum & Opinion by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti, Charles M. Davis. (Thro, William) Modified on 7/30/2008 (cgar). (Entered: 07/29/2008)

RECAP
31 July 30, 2008

USCA Appeal Fees received $ 455 receipt number 300005930 re 30 Notice of Interlocutory Appeal filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis (lbre, ) (Entered: 07/30/2008)

RECAP
32 July 30, 2008

Transmission of Notice of Appeal to US Court of Appeals re 30 Notice of Appeal (lbre, ) (Entered: 07/30/2008)

RECAP
33 July 31, 2008

MOTION to Stay all Proceedings Pending Appeal by James S. Reinhard, Denise D. Micheletti and Charles M. Davis. (cgar) (Entered: 08/01/2008)

RECAP
Aug. 7, 2008

USCA, Fourth Circuit, Case Number 08-1845, Case Manager JMoore for 30 Notice of Appeal filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis. (lbre, )

34 Sept. 9, 2008

ORDER withdrawing without prejudice 29 Motion for Summary Judgment pending resolution of interlocutory appeal; granting 33 Motion to Stay All Proceedings pending resolution of interlocutory appeal. Signed by District Judge Robert E. Payne on 9/8/2008. (cgar) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

RECAP
35 June 2, 2009

Published Opinion of USCA re 30 Notice of Appeal : The judgment of the district court is REVERSED, and the case is REMANDED with directions to dismiss it. (lbre) (Entered: 06/02/2009)

RECAP
36 June 2, 2009

USCA JUDGMENT as to 30 Notice of Appeal filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis : In accordance with the decision of this Court, the judgment of the District Court is REVERSED. This case is REMANDED to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Court's decision. This judgment shall take effect upon issuance of this Court's mandate in accordance with Fed. R. App. P. 41. (lbre, ) (Entered: 06/02/2009)

RECAP
37 June 16, 2009

Appeal Remark re 30 Notice of Appeal : This Court's mandate has been stayed pending disposition of a petition for panel and/or en banc rehearing. (lbre, ) (Entered: 06/19/2009)

RECAP
38 Aug. 3, 2009

ORDER of USCA as to 30 Notice of Appeal filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis : The Court denies the petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc. No judge requested a poll under Fed. R. App. P. 35 on the petition for rehearing en banc.(lbre, ) (Entered: 08/03/2009)

RECAP
39 Aug. 7, 2009

USCA Mandate re 30 Notice of Appeal :The judgment of this Court, entered 6/02/09, takes effect today. This constitutes the formal mandate of this Court issued pursuant to Rule 41(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. (lbre, ) (Entered: 08/10/2009)

RECAP
40 Aug. 24, 2009

ORDER above-captioned matter is dismissed with prejudice. Signed by District Judge Robert E. Payne on 8/24/2009. (cgar) (Entered: 08/24/2009)

RECAP
41 Nov. 5, 2009

Appeal Remark re 30 Notice of Appeal : SUPREME COURT petition for writ of certiorari filed. (lbre, ) (Entered: 06/25/2010)

RECAP
42 June 22, 2010

Appeal Remark re 30 Notice of Appeal : SUPREME COURT petition for writ of certiorari granted. (lbre, ) (Entered: 06/25/2010)

RECAP
43 Sept. 22, 2010

Appeal Remark re 30 Notice of Appeal : USCA's TRANSMITTAL OF SUPREME COURT RECORD REQUEST - Attached is a copy of the U.S. Supreme Court's letter requesting transmittal of the record on appeal. (lbre, ) (Entered: 09/22/2010)

RECAP
44 Sept. 22, 2010

Appeal Remark re 30 Notice of Appeal : USCA's TRANSMITTAL OF SUPREME COURT RECORD - Volume One. (lbre, ) (Entered: 09/22/2010)

RECAP
45 Sept. 23, 2010

Appeal Remark re 30 Notice of Appeal : Transmittal of USDC record to United States Supreme Court - Volume 2 (Documents 1-45)(Volume 1 transmitted by USCA).(lbre, ) (Entered: 09/23/2010)

RECAP
46 May 23, 2011

ORDER of USCA as to 30 Notice of Appeal filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis : The Supreme Court has reversed our judgment in this case. In accordance with the Supreme Courts mandate, we remand the case to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Courts decision. Entered at the direction of Judge Wilkinson with the concurrence of Senior Circuit Judge Siler and Chief District Judge Conrad. (lbre, ) (Entered: 05/24/2011)

RECAP
47 May 23, 2011

USCA JUDGMENT as to 30 Notice of Appeal filed by Denise D. Micheletti, James S. Reinhard, Charles M. Davis : The Supreme Court of the United States has remanded this case to this court for further action. In accordance with the decision of this court, this case is REMANDED TO THE DISTRICT COURT.This judgment shall take effect upon issuance of this court's mandate in accordance with Fed. R. App. P. 41. (lbre, ) (Entered: 05/24/2011)

RECAP
48 June 8, 2011

Appeal Record Returned by Supreme Court of the United States re 30 Notice of Appeal : Pleadings 1-45. (lbre, ) (Entered: 06/08/2011)

RECAP
49 June 14, 2011

USCA Mandate re 30 Notice of Appeal : The judgment of this court, entered 5/23/2011, takes effect today. This constitutes the formal mandate of this court issued pursuant to Rule 41(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. (lbre, ) (Entered: 06/14/2011)

RECAP
50 July 28, 2011

MOTION for Summary Judgment by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Buckley, Paul) (Entered: 07/28/2011)

Clearinghouse
51 Aug. 12, 2011

MOTION for Settlement by Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy. (Buckley, Paul) (Entered: 08/12/2011)

RECAP
Aug. 15, 2011

Notice of Correction re: Document 51 ; the filing user has been notified that the "Settlement Agreement" should have been included as a separate attachment to Document 51 . The filing user has also been reminded to include the /s/ signature block with all documents filed electronically. (walk, )

52 Sept. 6, 2011

STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL AND AGREED FINAL ORDER. Signed by District Judge Robert E. Payne on 9/6/2011. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit A)(lhin, ) (Entered: 09/06/2011)

1 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Virginia

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 3, 2007

Closing Date: Sept. 6, 2011

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

protection and advocacy system

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 15001 et seq.

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Act, 42 U.S.C. § 10801

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Virginia 3:07-cv-00734

Supreme Court of the United States 09-529

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 08-01845

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

U.S. Supreme Court merits opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Voluntary Dismissal

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief request withdrawn/mooted

Issues

Disability and Disability Rights:

Mental impairment

P&A access authority

P&A Associational Standing

Recommended Citation