Lawsuit Forces Two NC Nursing Homes to End Discriminatory Admission Practices

Two North Carolina nursing homes — Sunnybrook Rehabilitation Center in Raleigh and Treyburn Rehabilitation Center in Durham — have been forced by a lawsuit to end their practice of denying admission to people with substance use disorder (SUD). The landmark settlement, brought by Disability Rights North Carolina and the Legal Action Center, marks the first case of its kind in the nation and could expand long-term care access for North Carolinians who use, or have used, drugs.

Legal Action Under the ADA

The case began when a North Carolina man was denied care at both facilities after disclosing recent drug use, even though both had open beds. Suffering from multiple health conditions, including diabetes, he required skilled nursing care after several hospitalizations. Each time, his discharge was delayed because nursing homes refused him due to his substance use history — a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

After one extended hospital stay, the man slipped into a coma, prompting Disability Rights NC to intervene. Working with the Legal Action Center, they filed suit against both facilities, arguing that people with substance use disorder are protected from discrimination under federal law.

Settlement Terms: Policy, Training, and Accountability

Under the court-approved settlement, Sunnybrook and Treyburn must:

• Adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy protecting individuals with substance use disorder, including those receiving medication-assisted treatment such as methadone or suboxone.
• Provide mandatory staff training on ADA compliance and patient rights.
• Implement a monitoring system for all future admission denials involving substance use.
• Pay $55,000 in damages and attorney fees.

“This case ensures that people who use drugs — or are in recovery — have the same right to care and dignity as anyone else,” said Holly Stiles, assistant legal director at Disability Rights NC.

‘I Just Wanted to Be Treated Fairly’

The man at the center of the case, who remains anonymous, said the victory was about fairness and dignity.

“I just want to be able to get the care that everyone else gets,” he said. “I was sick and needed help, but the nursing homes said no. It didn’t feel fair. I’m glad this case is settled — now others won’t have to go through what I did.”

He now lives in a facility that accepted him without discrimination and is described as an active and well-liked resident.

“All the fears and stereotypes were proven wrong,” said Stiles. “That’s the importance of cases like this — you have to give people a chance.”

A First-of-Its-Kind Case

Attorneys believe the case sets a national precedent for people with substance use disorder seeking long-term care.

“This isn’t just about two nursing homes,” said Sarah Harrington, attorney at Disability Rights NC. “It’s about changing how the entire system treats people with addiction. Health care is a right, not a privilege.”

Elyse Powell, executive director of the NC Harm Reduction Coalition, said the discrimination seen in this case is unfortunately widespread.

“It’s far too common for health care providers to deny or mistreat people once they learn they have substance use disorder,” Powell said. “If other facilities adopt this anti-discrimination model, we can finally start breaking that cycle.”

Broader Implications for Health Care Equity

Advocates say the ruling makes clear that substance use disorder is a disability protected under the ADA — whether a person is in recovery or still using. The case may serve as a blueprint for hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes statewide to reevaluate their policies.

“This is a victory for human dignity,” Harrington added. “People with substance use disorder deserve health care, compassion, and a path to healing — not rejection.”