ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The patient in Room 373 refuses to leave.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare earlier this month sued the patient, stating she has not vacated her hospital room since her discharge last October. The hospital has requested a state judge to issue an injunction to compel her to leave and has sought assistance from the county sheriff's office if needed.
The hospital argues that the patient’s long occupancy is diverting resources from other patients needing acute care. Defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care, the lawsuit claims.
The suit asserts that the woman was admitted for treatment and was properly discharged on October 6, 2022, when it was determined she no longer required acute care. The hospital made multiple attempts to arrange for her departure and offered transportation for obtaining identification, according to court documents.
Rachel Givens, the hospital's attorney, commented that they could not provide details on ongoing legal matters, including why the patient remains hospitalized or what her exit requirements entail.
The patient has neither an attorney listed nor has anyone answered calls made to her hospital room or provided contact as outlined online. A court hearing is set for this month.
According to federal guidelines, hospitals must stabilize all patients presenting emergency conditions, regardless of their insurance status, and can face scrutiny for compliance failures.
