title: Medical treatment for older people and people with disabilities: 1988 developments. National Legal Center.
abstract: In 1988, the United States Supreme Court determined that "primary alcoholism" is "willful misconduct" that disqualifies veterans for an extension of time for educational benefits eligibility based on disability. The Civil Rights Restoration Act, passed in 1988, broadened the scope of programs or activities which may be covered by federal civil rights statutes that prohibit discrimination by entities receiving federal financial assistance. Decisions by the highest courts in two states may signal a trend toward reestablishing protection for persons with disabilities who are incompetent and are being threatened with denial of life-sustaining food and fluids. Federal and state courts addressed the issue of withholding medical treatment from persons with disabilities. The rights of persons with AIDS to participate in programs receiving federal financial assistance continue to be litigated with increasing frequency. Lastly, thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have "living will" legislation.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States