Florida Hospital Drops Eviction Suit

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) has dismissed its lawsuit seeking to evict a patient who had refused to leave the hospital for months. The hospital confirmed the case is no longer active because the patient has now departed the facility.

Patient's Prolonged Hospital Stay

The patient remained in a hospital room after being discharged in early October. TMH had sought a court order to remove the woman and authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to assist if necessary. A hearing scheduled for Monday was canceled following the hospital’s voluntary dismissal of the case.

Hospital Cited Resource Strain

According to a complaint filed by the hospital, the patient’s continued occupancy diverted staff and resources from other patients in need of care. “TMH has limited inpatient beds,” the complaint stated, adding that the situation prevented the use of a needed bed for patients requiring acute care.

Discharge and Attempts to Coordinate Departure

TMH stated the patient was no longer in need of acute care following a formal discharge order issued on October 6th. Hospital staff reportedly made numerous attempts to facilitate her departure, including offering transportation and contacting family members.

Legal Action and Prevalence

It remains unclear how frequently hospitals pursue legal action to remove patients who refuse to leave after being discharged. The hospital spokesperson, Sarah Cannon, confirmed to The Associated Press that the patient “is no longer at TMH.”

Fox News Digital reached out to TMH for further comment.