A charity that provides financial and other assistance to patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week, claiming the department is violating its First Amendment rights.

In its lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, Patient Services Inc. claimed a March 2017 HHS advisory opinion blocks the nonprofit from communicating with donors and potential donors about its patient programs, a move that altered guidance it's followed for years and severely limits its ability to operate. PSI general counsel Neil Millhiser said the change has contributed to a $17 million drop in the organization's budget.

"In the end, this is really hurting the patients," Millhiser said.An HHS spokeswoman said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. PSI is represented by a team from Sidley Austin that includes Carter Phillips, William Sarraille, Robert Keeling, Jack Pirozzolo and Paul Zidlicky.