Morgan v. PeaceHealth, Inc.

101 Wash. App. 750
Court of Appeals of Washington·Decided April 17, 2000·No. No. 43467-5-I·Published·Cited by 14 cases

Opinion

Webster, J.

After St. John Medical Center, owned and operated by Respondent PeaceHealth, revoked Appellant Bruce J. Morgan’s hospital privileges, he brought suit against PeaceHealth alleging that PeaceHealth’s actions against him were in violation of: (1) the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (HCQIA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 11101-11152; (2) RCW 7.71.030 (the Washington Health Care Peer Review Act); (3) the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), chapter 19.86 RCW; and (4) article XII, section 22 of the Washington Constitution. The trial court granted summary judgment to PeaceHealth.

The issues presented by Morgan’s appeal are: (1) is PeaceHealth entitled to immunity under the HCQIA; (2) did the trial court abuse its discretion by denying Morgan’s motions to compel discovery and continue until discovery [754]*754was answered; (3) did the trial court abuse its discretion by refusing to strike portions of a declaration and certain attached documents offered in support of PeaceHealth’s motion for summary judgment; (4) is Morgan entitled to injunctive relief; and (5) is the hospital entitled to attorney fees? Because we find that the hospital is entitled to immunity, we affirm.

SUMMARY JUDGMENT STANDARD

“When reviewing an order for summary judgment, we engage in the same inquiry as the trial court, and will affirm summary judgment if there is no genuine issue of any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Wilson Court Ltd. Partnership v. Tony Maroni’s, Inc., 134 Wn.2d 692, 698, 952 P.2d 590 (1998); see also CR 56(c). All facts and reasonable inferences must be considered in a light most favorable to the nonmoving party, and all questions of law are reviewed de novo. See id. We will sustain the trial court’s judgment on any theory established in the pleadings and supported by proof. See id.

BACKGROUND

A. The Parties

Morgan is a podiatrist who had staff privileges at St. John Medical Center and Monticello Medical Center from 1981 to 1997. Respondent PeaceHealth owns St. John Medical Center. Prior to 1987, St. John and then independent Monticello Medical Center had a joint credentials committee. After PeaceHealth acquired Monticello in 1987, the joint credentials committee became the Credentials Committee.

B. The Evidence Regarding the 1981 and 1983 Complaints and Actions Taken by the Hospital

In support of its motion for summary judgment, PeaceHealth offered the declaration of Betsy A. Coburn, St. John’s risk manager. Coburn’s responsibilities include monitoring the credentials and peer review actions at the [755]*755hospital. Coburn has held this position since July 1989. Coburn testified in her declaration to alleged complaints against Morgan made in 1981 and 1983, before she held her position, and actions taken by Monticello Medical Center:

In 1981 and 1983, the joint Credentials Committee received a number of complaints regarding inappropriate sexual behavior, unprofessional conduct, and possible negligence by Dr. Morgan. In 1983, Dr. Morgan’s privileges were summarily suspended due to complaints by patients of incompetence and inappropriate sexual behavior. His privileges were restored under the conditions that he would be accompanied by a nurse during his patient rounds and that he would seek professional help for his personality problems. In addition, Dr. Morgan was warned that if other instances of unprofessional conduct occurred, his privileges would be revoked.

Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 11. Attached to the declaration is a redacted document pertaining to Morgan, apparently from the combined credentials committee but labeled “MONTICELLO MEDICAL CENTER ONLY.” CP at 54-55. This document was not a part of Morgan’s St. John peer review file; it was a part of Monticello’s records. See CP at 197. The document is not dated and not signed. CP at 54-55. The unredacted portion of the document refers to complaints by Morgan’s patients but does not describe the complaints or indicate the type of the complaints. CP at 54. The conditions to which Coburn refers are listed:

The recommendation [off the Executive Committee is as follows:
* That Dr. Morgan be accompanied by a nurse on his hospital rounds —
* That Dr. Morgan have his nurse present during patient exams in his office
* That Dr. Morgan seek professional counseling for his personality problem
* That Dr. Morgan meet with the Executive Committee in 3 months to discuss the steps he has taken with regard to his problem
* That if any other incidents occur of similar nature, it will [756]*756be recommended that his privileges be totally and permanently suspended.

CP at 54-55.

C. The Evidence Concerning 1994 Complaints and Actions Taken by the Hospital

A meeting summary, dated November 9, 1994, which is unsigned but apparently authored by Dr. Frank Marre, documents a meeting Marre had with two female hospital employees who complained about Morgan’s behavior in the operating room. CP at 315. One of the employees compláined that Morgan frequently draws sexual inferences in the operating room, that he once bent forward and kissed her on the top of her head, and that he has made gestures as if handling her breasts when he puts on his gown. CP at 315. Morgan had not actually touched her breasts. CP at 315. The other woman confirmed Morgan’s behavior. CP at 315. The employees were adamant that Morgan receive oral warning but preferred that the staff not take more aggressive action. CP at 315.

A letter to Morgan, signed by both Frank Marre, assistant administrator for Medical Affairs, and Jim Reisner, president of the Medical Staff, dated November 16, 1994, documents a meeting on that day between these individuals and Morgan. CP at 57. Also in attendance at the meeting was George S. Fortner, vice-president of the Medical Staff. The letter documents that Morgan had been informed that complainants alleged that he had engaged in sexually suggestive comments, inappropriate touching, and unwanted advances. CP at 57. Morgan was advised that the behavior was objectionable, was creating a hostile work environment, and was in violation of hospital policy and federal law. CP at 57. Morgan was warned that any further occurrence would result in “investigative action and/or summary suspension.” CP at 57. Morgan was requested to provide a progress report in 30 days. There is no evidence in the record concerning Morgan’s response to the complaints or the requested progress report.

[757]*757D. Morgan’s Letter to PeaceHealth’s CEO

On September 5, 1996, Morgan wrote a letter to PeaceHealth’s CEO expressing concern about the effect of cost-cutting measures on patient care. CP at 151. Morgan testified in a declaration that he also expressed his concerns inside the hospital prior to writing the letter. CP at 199.

E. The Evidence Concerning the 1996 and 1997 Complaints and Actions Taken by the Hospital

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