High court to review mental health advocacy suit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court says it will decide whether Virginia's advocate for the mentally ill can force state officials to provide records relating to deaths and injuries at state mental health facilities.

The justices agreed Monday to review a federal appeals court ruling dismissing the state advocate's lawsuit against Virginia's mental health commissioner and two other officials.

Backing the appeal, the Obama administration said the ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond "threatens to undermine the enforcement of federal laws that Congress designed to protect especially vulnerable individuals from the abusive and neglectful practices that can result in injury and death."

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A ruling written and supported by the following lower court judges

Wilkins, William Walter. Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit - Nominated by Ronald Reagan on June 3, 1986 (senior judge)

Wilson, Samuel Grayson. Judge, U. S. District Court, Western District of Virginia - Nominated by George H.W. Bush on March 6, 1990 (sitting by designation)

Niemeyer, Paul Victor. Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit - Nominated by George H.W. Bush on May 11, 1990