Court Opinion

ID: 9470401
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 03:05:19.96633+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:41:53.066391
License: Public Domain

FARRIS, Circuit Judge,
dissenting:
During the months that this matter was under submission, the nursing home was closed and the surviving plaintiffs were transferred to other facilities. I agree with the majority’s conclusion that “[n]o decree by the district court granting injunctive or declaratory relief can undo the closure, specify procedures for closing, or prevent the transfer of plaintiffs.” In spite of this, the case is not moot. These same plaintiffs may well be subjected to a similar closure and involuntary transfer to yet another institution. The issues as to their status and rights within the Medicaid program have not been mooted by the closing of Edgefield Manor. The situation is “capable of repetition yet evading review.” Southern Pacific Terminal Co. v. ICC, 219 U.S. 498, 31 S.Ct. 279, 55 L.Ed. 310 (1911). In so concluding, I do not ignore Security Bancorp v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 655 F.2d 164 (9th Cir.1979), vacated 454 U.S. 1118, 102 S.Ct. 962, 71 L.Ed.2d 105 (1981).
I therefore respectfully dissent from the decision to withdraw the opinion.