Lawyer argues to allow Montana State Hospital patients out of seclusion; judge to rule 'soon'
HELENA — An attorney representing four patients at Montana State Hospital who in a lawsuit claim they are subjected to isolation nearly 24 hours a day made a final argument in court Tuesday for why the patients should be removed from seclusion rooms while they await a 2018 trial.
Helena District Court Judge Kathy Seeley did not make a ruling on the request for an injunction, but said she would issue one soon.
The lawsuit has been brought on behalf of the patients by Disability Rights Montana.
Two of the patients represented in the suit, Faith Swanson and Tyler Sapp, said they are held in locked seclusion rooms most of the day. Swanson and Sapp are civilly committed to the state hospital. The other patients are Ryan Bragg and Charles White, who are criminally committed.
Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/lawyer-argues-to-allow-montana-state-hospital-patients-out-of/article_20de3810-9e78-5087-bffc-012ec3e29ebf.html