Florida: Patient Sued for Refusing to Leave Hospital Five Months After Discharge
Florida: Patient Sued for Refusing to Leave Hospital Five Months After Discharge – A hospital in Tallahassee, Florida, has taken legal action against a former patient who continues to occupy a hospital room nearly five months after being formally discharged.
According to court documents, the patient was discharged from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) on 6 October 2025, but has refused to vacate the room, prompting the hospital to seek intervention from the courts.
The lawsuit, filed in early March 2026, states that TMH staff made repeated efforts to assist the patient in completing the discharge safely. Measures included coordinating with family members and offering non-emergency medical transportation to help the patient obtain necessary identification.
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Despite these efforts, the patient remained in the hospital, leading TMH to issue a written notice on 24 November 2025, warning that legal action would follow if they did not leave.
The complaint asks the court to order the patient’s removal and authorise the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to assist if necessary. The hospital highlighted that its limited inpatient beds are being blocked and staff resources diverted due to the patient’s continued presence, preventing other patients in need of acute care from receiving treatment.
A hearing for the case has been scheduled for 30 March 2026. TMH declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal matter.
The case comes at a time when TMH is negotiating a partnership with Florida State University to create an academic medical centre in Tallahassee, a development intended to expand healthcare services in the region.
