Supreme Court: Hospital Can Be Sued By Patients Who Grew Pot
PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled on Tuesday that a couple can sue Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, Maine. The facility disclosed confidential healthcare information to police that led to charges against the couple.
Dwayne and Debbie Bonney went to the facility to seek medical treatment after they were assaulted at their home, the Associated Press reports. A security overheard them tell a nurse what happened and called police, despite their objections.
Police discovered evidence of marijuana cultivation at their home. The Bonneys claim the guard violated their rights by contacting authorities. The Supreme Court ruled that the hospital could be held liable for disclosing confidential information unless it is an examination to obtain evidence for prosecutors.
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