Court Opinion

ID: 9497270
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 16:47:11.172235+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:58:05.587371
License: Public Domain

SLOVITER, Circuit Judge,
concurring.
I agree with much of the majority’s opinion in this case, and see no reason to repeat either the facts or the arguments of the parties. In particular, I agree with the majority’s approval of the order requiring Bucks County to reimburse Mrs. de Mora for the expenses that she incurred in paying Laudon for the services she performed. Although Bucks County suggests that Laudon was not a qualified professional because she had no training or experience in developing and imparting the requisite knowledge of the-Lovaas program to others, Bucks County does not challenge the administrative officer’s order authorizing repayment for Laudon’s own services. It does appeal, however, the order of the District Court requiring it to reimburse Mrs. de Mora for her services delivered directly to her child.
*76The majority cites no statutory provision or regulation authorizing such payment. The majority agrees with Bucks County that Mrs. de Mora does not fall within the category of “qualified personnel” as defined in the statute. Instead, it bases its decision approving reimbursement to the mother of the disabled child on “equitable considerations.”
I am concerned that the majority has set a precedent that opens a wide gap between that which is properly reimbursable and that which is not. Parental involvement with a disabled child should be expected as a matter of course. Nonetheless, because the majority takes pains to limit the scope of its decision, and in particular because of its conclusion that “a trained service provider was not available,” I join its judgment, albeit with reservations.10

. I am personally familiar with Bucks County. It is not in the wilderness. It borders the City of Philadelphia, and is home to numerous fine hospitals, medical centers and professionals. However, I have no basis to dispute the majority's conclusion that Mrs. de Mora could not find a qualified professional. I have no personal familiarity with the Lovaas program and therefore do not know whether it is or is not commonly available.