CONCORD - A class action lawsuit has been filed against the state on behalf of individuals challenging their institutionalization at New Hampshire Hospital and Glencliff Home.

They claim they are being needlessly institutionalized because of the lack of community mental health services.

The suit brought by the Disabilities Rights Center on behalf of six individuals with serious mental health issued was filed today in U.S. District Court in Concord.

The suit claims community based services are not available to allow the individuals to stay in their communities violating the federal American with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and the Nursing Home Reform Act.

The suit seeks to force the state to expand community-based services the plaintiffs need to avoid future institutionalization.

A similar lawsuit several decades ago, forced the closing of the centralized Laconia State School and the opening of community-based mental health centers.