Doctor Can Proceed With Whistleblower Suit Against Hospital

A Mississippi hospital will face a whistleblower retaliation suit by a doctor who, although not technically employed by the facility, alleged enough facts to show he was treated as such, a federal court said.

A “fact-specific inquiry” is required to determine if W. Blake Vanderlan can win under an Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act provision that prohibits hospitals from retaliating against employees for reporting alleged violations of the statute, the US District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi said Feb. 9.

Vanderlan’s complaint contained enough facts to suggest that he was under the control of Jackson HMA LLC ...