Litigation Supports
Catherine V. Hayes, MA,
Expert Witness Consultant Services:
Catherine V. Hayes, MA, has over 30 years of experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities. She worked for six years at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as the ICF/IID team leader and a branch chief for survey and certification’s Continuing Care Providers. She has extensive experience regarding abuse and neglect issues in residential settings.
Ms Hayes’ primary expertise is in mental retardation/intellectual disability services, the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) [Previously Intermediate Care Facilities for people with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR)] regulations and abuse and neglect.
Ms. Hayes services include:
- Reviewing case records regarding alleged abuse, neglect and wrongful death
- Analyzing of licensing and certification files, deficiencies and citations for facilities as well as complaint investigations
- Reviewing compliance with State and Federal regulations
- Assessing the quality of residential care of persons with intellectual disabilities
- Assisting litigators regarding expectations in ICF/IID (formerly ICF/MR) and group home settings and the applicable regulations
Ms. Hayes has served as an expert consultant for the following:
Private Party Legal Actions –
Ms. Hayes has performed expert witness/litigation support for both plaintiff and defendant cases, including wrongful death and abuse and neglect cases in residential settings. She has experience with preparation of written declarations, depositions and trial testimony. Attorneys who have used Ms. Hayes frequently refer her to other attorneys or return to her for assistance on new cases.
United States Department of Justice –
Conducted on-site reviews of state wide community placement efforts and analyzed Developmental Center risk management and quality assurance systems for DOJ Civil Rights of Institutionalize Persons Act (CRIPA) cases in three states.
State Attorneys General –
Supported several states during investigations conducted by US DOJ under CRIPA and ADA/Olmstead authority as the State’s expert witness. Has also supported states involved in civil litigation brought by private parties.
Disability Rights Center of Maine (a Protection & Advocacy agency) –
Served as an expert in the Paul Bates et al. v. Lynn Duby et al. (Augusta Mental Health Institute case). Conducted an independent review of 442 Bates v. Duby Class Members’ Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and evaluated compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement. H&W designed a data review form, set up an Access database to analyze the findings, conducted onsite interviews, submitted written reports and testified in court. Ms. Hayes testified, and was qualified, as an expert in community mental health ISP process before the Honorable Nancy Mills, Chief Justice, Superior Courts. Judge Mills cited her testimony and reports in finding for the Plaintiff.